"Monnaie du pape" Coffer

René-Jules Lalique

1914 · Glass, silver leaf, amaranth, brass · Modern and Contemporary Art

This coffer is something of a visual pun: the molded-glass panels are symbolically decorated with Lunaria, a plant also known as “pope’s money” or “money plant,” referencing its purpose. The lockable box was obviously intended for safekeeping valuables, but what sort of strongbox is made of glass?

Artist

René-Jules Lalique

Date

1914

Medium

Glass, silver leaf, amaranth, brass

Culture

French

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward C. Moore Jr. Gift, 1924