Visually, this is a very simple work of art. There are just two elements, both clearly rendered: a pipe, and a caption that reads Ceci n’est pas une pipe (This is not a pipe). But how can we ...

René Lalique was a seminal French glass designer known for his Art Nouveau and Art Deco perfume bottles, chandeliers, vases, and jewelry. Widely revered and influential in the decorative arts, Lalique ...