Robert Barriot

Robert Barriot, born in Châteauroux on July 22, 1898, and passing away in Chezal-Benoît on July 1, 1970, was a prominent French artist known for his exceptional skills in painting, enameling, and sculpture.

Among his contemporaries, Robert Barriot was hailed as one of the most gifted visual artists of his generation, often referred to as "the greatest enamelist of all time." He made an indelible mark on the 5,000-year history of enamel with his large-scale copper repoussé enamels, some towering over 3 meters in height, effectively revolutionizing the art form. To this day, the most significant enamels on record, aside from those created by Barriot, are found in the collection of Pierre Courteys from 1559, displayed at the National Museum of the Renaissance in Écouen.

In Maurice Croze's work dedicated to Robert Barriot, there is a citation from Andreù Vilasis, an accomplished enamelist, former professor at the School of Applied Arts in Barcelona, and an international art expert and critic. Vilasis referred to Barriot as "The Pope of Enamel," stating, "Robert Barriot is a giant of enamel art. As an artist, he embodies the spirit of the Renaissance, showcasing versatility in executing and mastering multiple art disciplines. Even with today's advanced techniques, I can confidently assert that no artist of our era can replicate the monumental works of Robert Barriot."