The set of jewels, drawings, objets d'art and glassware acquired by the Collector directly from the artist, with a single exception, between 1899 and 1927, is well representative of Lalique's work. René Lalique (1860-1945) and Calouste Gulbenkian (1869-1955) shared the experience of a time marked by the fascinating transition of the so-called Belle Époque - with its particular end-of-the-century spirit, present mainly on the remarkable set of Art Nouveau works. Both men were tied by friendship and mutual consideration, well evidenced in the words of the Collector: "My admiration for his unique work increased throughout the fifty years our friendship lasted... I am proud to own, I believe, the largest number of Lalique's works...".