Mougin brothers
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Joseph Mougin (7 June 1876 – 8 November 1961) and Pierre Mougin (15 May 1880 – 7 September 1955) were French sculptors and ceramists, making art pottery in Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, and close to the École de Nancy.
Early life
Joseph Mougin was born in Nancy, and his younger brother Pierre in Laxou. Sons of Xavier Mougin, they came from a family of glass cutters, but dedicated their life to ceramics. As a young man, Joseph Mougin studied art, but was also fascinated by horticulture and several forms of science, which gave him a natural sensitivity to what would become the main inspiration themes of the Art Nouveau movement. His brother Pierre, a great Sarah Bernardt admirer, gave up acting classes to embrace a career as a ceramist with his elder brother.
Artistic career
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The first part of Mougin brothers' work is deeply connected to Art Nouveau, combining vegetable naturalism and female symbolism, crystallizations with glazes. Their first works are exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, 1900; but Joseph feels they still can improve their art, so he chooses to attend Sèvres manufacture as a student. Although not officially part of the
At the end of the first world war, the economic context is pretty bad, and once again Victor Prouvé is the one who changes Mougin brothers' destiny. He introduces them to Edouard Fenal, who hires them at
In 1933, due to increasing tensions at the Luneville earthenware, they end their contract, and Pierre Mougin soon decides to retire from ceramics. Joseph Mougin however keeps focusing on his researches until the end of his life, with the help of several of his children.
Legacy
The rue Joseph Mougin in Nancy is named after the elder brother.
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Stoneware vase with bronze base, 1913, Joseph Mougin
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Figure of Salignac de l'opéra comique, by the brothers
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Figure
Bibliography
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- Jacques Peiffer (January 2001). Les Frères Mougin, sorciers du grand feu 1898-1950 (in French). Lunéville: Faton. p. 240. ISBN 978-2-87844-047-8. Mougin.