Albert Gilles

Albert Louis Gilles (August 20, 1895 – July 22, 1979) was a French coppersmith known for his metalwork technique of shaping malleable metals. During his career as an artisan and designer, Gilles created public and private works for The Walt Disney Company, Chrysler, and General Motors. He is known for his later works depicting the life of Jesus Christ. thumb A relief scene of Matthew 14:25 from the doors of Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. The depicted Chalice was commissioned by Pope Pius XII in 1942 to mark the 300th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Montreal.

Early life Albert Louis Gilles was born on August 20, 1895, in Paris, France. At the age of 12, his aunt introduced him to the art of repoussé, a technique of shaping malleable metals. He practiced this technique during evening art classes. Gilles served in World War I, where he injured his right hand. He rehabilitated his hand by milking cows at a farm in Normandy.

Legacy and auction history Gilles's work has been auctioned multiple times, with prices ranging from 15 USD to 71 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. His highest auction price was 71 USD for an antique lamp sold at Champagne Auctions in 2022. The Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum in Château-Richer continues to operate as a boutique and museum run by his family.