If one needed an excuse to discover or rediscover the exotic, erotic, sensual and above all, unique universe of Philippe Hiquily, here is an excellent one: the publication of his Catalogue Raisonné, bringing together all the works of this insatiable "jack of all trades" sculptor, painter, designer, and jeweler from his early days at the Beaux-Arts to the present.
Still relatively unknown to the general public, this catalogue raisonné offers an opportunity to shed light on an artist of discreet temperament yet intense creativity. It invites us to appreciate and understand Hiquily's work as a whole, from preparatory drawings to editions and his most recent creations.
Highlighting a lesser-known aspect of his production, the book presents rarely exhibited works alongside the major sculptures that established his reputation.
While Hiquily is best known for sculptures held in prestigious collections, both private (such as those of Jacqueline Delubac, Zachary Scott, and René Rasmussen) and public (including the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, and the Solomon R.Guggenheim Museum), few have had the opportunity to experience his works in furniture or jewelry design.
Encouraged by Baronne Van Zuylen and decorator Henri Samuel, Hiquily created his first pieces, which were immediately successful. He thus established his reputation as a sculptor-designer among some of the most illustrious French noble families, including the Van Zuylen, the Rothschild, the Vicomtesse de Noailles, and Louis de Vilmorin.
As for his jewelry, most pieces were inspired by the woman in his life, particularly Yen Wo, who shared nearly forty years by his side.
Tracing both the artistic and personal journey of the sculptor, this publication offers a unique opportunity to explore Hiquily's life and work. It allows us to appreciate the evolution of the artist and to study his underlying themes, supported by leading art historians, friends of Philippe Hiquily, and members of his family.
