Madeleine Van der Knoop

Since 2011, Daum has collaborated with the Belgian sculptor Madelaine van der Knoop, resulting in more than 11 majestic animal sculptures celebrating the power and elegance of birds of prey. A loyal resident artist of the manufactory, she has made crystal a unique territory of expression, capturing with precision the moment of flight, the tension of a gaze, or the nobility of a posture. Perfectly mastering the language of animal anatomy, Madelaine van der Knoop is part of the naturalist animal figuration movement, in the lineage of great masters such as Antoine-Louis Barye or François Pompon. Her sculptures combine anatomical precision, observation of living beings, and the pursuit of plastic harmony, with a resolutely contemporary interpretation.

With Daum, she explores the infinite possibilities of crystal glass: a living and luminous material, capable of intensely reproducing the texture of feathers, the power of flight, or the concentration of a gaze. Shades of amber, white, obsidian, or bronze intertwine to create striking works, on the border between poetic realism and exceptional decorative art.

Mounted on bronze or polished black granite bases, his creations exude a rare sculptural presence. The royal eagle, the gyrfalcon , and even the peacock become, under his hand, symbols of strength, freedom, and eternal vigilance. This collaboration, initiated more than a decade ago, embodies one of the most prestigious expressions of the link between animal art, classical sculpture, and French glassmaking expertise.

Some of these sculptures, such as *Le Paon Tropical *, *Le Paon Blanc* , or *L'Aigle Prestige* , are among the most spectacular pieces ever created by the crystal maker. Reaching up to 2.5 meters in height and weighing over 200 kg, they push the technical limits of crystal glass and mark a turning point in Daum's history. Never before had the material been used with such monumental ambition. These extraordinary works demonstrate an absolute mastery of animal sculpture and glasswork, offering a powerful and grandiose vision of sublimated nature.