5. Émile-Allain Séguy

While not widely known to the public, Émile-Allain Séguy stands as a significant and influential force in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movement. Born in France in 1877, he honed his artistic skills at the prestigious School of Decorative Arts in Paris, where he developed a unique approach to drawing, with vivid color pallets and numerous details that would set him apart

In a dynamic career, Séguy made a mark in 1913 by founding the art department at the Grands Magasins du Printemps, a major Parisian department store. There, he played a pivotal role in producing exquisite catalogs that showcased refined and creative designs. His personal collections of drawings, published between 1902 and 1930, aimed to provide artists and creators with a rich array of materials to inspire and elevate their work in innovative ways.

Among some of his important works, Samarkand: 20 Color Compositions in the Oriental Style, was published in Paris by editor Charles Massin, around 1914. Massin was a bibliophile who collected jewelry drawings, among many other graphic sources. Through his research and publications, Emile-Allain wanted to enrich and renew artistic production.

Rewarded for his work, he received two gold medals, a certificate of honor and a grand prize at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes) of 1925.