COLOTTE Aristide

Aristide Colotte was born in Baccarat in 1885. After graduating, he became an apprentice at the Crystal Works; he soon specialised in cold working of crystal and became an engraver. In 1909, he was present at the International Exhibition in Nancy. In 1920, Colotte opened a metal and glass engraving workshop in Nancy; in 1924, he was awarded the title of "Premier Ouvrier de France" for metal engraving and three years later, he received the same distinction for crystal engraving. Very quickly, his fame earned him prestigious commissions. Nevertheless, after having made a sword of honour for Marshal Pétain, Colotte experienced years of disgrace. His production was rare and his career very short, lasting only from 1926 to 1939. Colotte died in 1959.