Étienne-Victor Exbrayat (1879-1914) - Religious plaque, Art Nouveau in silver – Virgin Mary - Art Nouveau - Silver - 1910-1920

Étienne-Victor Exbrayat (1879-1914) was a notable French silversmith recognized for his Art Nouveau style, which flourished between 1890 and 1910. This religious plaque in silver features the Virgin Mary rendered with the sinuous lines, organic forms, and floral motifs characteristic of Art Nouveau. The period marked a departure from strict academic art styles, embracing elegance, natural inspiration, and intricate craftsmanship. Silver was a preferred material for fine decorative pieces, allowing detailed work and a luminous finish. Religious themes in Art Nouveau often highlighted grace and spiritual serenity, making such plaques prized both as devotional items and as artistic masterpieces of early 20th-century design.