Brateau, Jules-Paul (1844 - 1923)

French sculptor, medalist who studied at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs under A. Nadaud and H. Bourdoncle. Residing in Paris and producing plaques and small sculptures, he worked together with several contemporary jewellers, such as Paul and Henri Vever. His best-known works were the vessels designed and executed by him personally, which he exhibited at the Paris Salon after 1874; these articles, which were made of a newly re-discovered material, pewter, occasionally complemented with glass paste and glaze, were inspired by Renaissance motifs. He won silver and gold medals at the Paris International Exhibitions of 1878 and 1889, respectively. Despite occasional criticism of his attachment to old styles and of his failure to adjust to the new requirements, he was appointed to the jury of both the Paris International Exhibition of 1900 and to that of the Turin International Arts and Crafts Exhibition of 1902.