1552 Applique Pair by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950's

Max Ingrand (1908-1969) was a prominent French designer and glass artist renowned for his contributions to decorative arts and lighting design. Born in Bressuire, France, he studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, specializing in decorative arts and interior design. He apprenticed with the famous stained glass artist Jacques Grüber, which greatly influenced his work.

In 1931, Ingrand founded his own studio, collaborating with his wife, glass artist Paulette Rouquié. Together, they created and exhibited innovative embossed glass designs. His early success led to notable commissions, such as the stained glass windows for Sainte Agnès Church in Maisons-Alfort, characterized by bold luminous colors.

After World War II, during which he was a prisoner of war, Ingrand emerged as a key figure in the restoration of church stained glass windows across France. His work on significant projects like Notre-Dame de Paris and the Saint-Pierre d’Yvetot Church in Normandy established him as a master glassmaker.

From 1954 to 1967, Ingrand served as the artistic director of Fontana Arte, creating iconic designs like the Dahlia series lamps. His innovative designs combined aesthetic elegance with technical brilliance, cementing his reputation as a leader in the field of modern glass art.