“Art for art’s sake” was a belief strongly espoused by the celebrated French designer and glassworker Émile Gallé. Through his ethereal glass vases, other vessels and lamps, which he adorned with botanical and religious motifs, Gallé advanced the Art Nouveau ideology and led the modern renaissance of French glass.
Gallé was the son of successful faience and furniture maker Charles Gallé but studied philosophy and botany before coming to glassmaking later in life. The young Gallé’s expertise in botany, however, would inform his design style and become his signature for generations to come.
After learning the art of glassmaking, Gallé went to work at his father’s factory in Nancy. He initially created clear glass objects but later began to experiment with layering deeply colored glass.
While glassmakers on Murano had applied layers of glass and color on decorative objects before Gallé had, he was ever-venturesome in his northeastern France, taking advantage of defects that materialized during his processes and etching in natural forms like insects such as dragonflies, marine life, the sun, vines, fruits and flowers modeled from local specimens.
Gallé is also credited with reviving cameo glass, a glassware style that originated in Rome. He used cabochons, which were applied raised-glass decorations colored with metallic oxides and made to resemble rich jeweling. Gallé's cameo glass vases and vessels were widely popular at the Paris Exhibition of 1878, cementing his position as a talented designer and pioneer.
During the late 19th century, Gallé led breakthroughs in mass production and employed hundreds of artisans in his workshop.
Botany and nature remained great sources of inspiration for the artist's glassmaking — just as they had for other Art Nouveau designers. From approximately 1890 to 1910, the movement’s talented designers produced furniture, glass and architecture in the form of — or adorned with — gently intertwining trees, flowers and vines. But Gallé had many interests, such as Eastern art and ceramics. The Japanese collection he visited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (then the South Kensington Museum) during the 1870s had made an impression too.
Breaking free from the rigid Victorian traditions, Gallé infused new life and spirit into the art and design of his time through exquisitely crafted glass vessels and pioneering new glassworking techniques.
Find a collection of Émile Gallé vases and other furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Émile Gallé Set of Four Nesting Tables
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
These four nesting tables by Émile Gallé exemplify the artist’s poetic sensitivity to nature and his virtuosity in marquetry. Each tabletop presents a distinct inlaid composition of ...
Fruitwood, Walnut
Extremely Rare Nest of Emile Galle circa 1900 Specimen Wood Tables Art Nouveau
By Émile Gallé
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare Emile Galle nest of three sample wood tables If you are looking at this listing then the chance ...
Satinwood
Amazing set of Art Nouveau Nesting Tables by Emile Galle ''Thistle'' 1905 Walnut
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A set of four French Art Nouveau nesting tables by Emile Gallé decorated with fruitwood marquetry in a motif of carlile thistle and butterflies. Each table represents a different sta...
Wood, Walnut
Price Upon Request
Rare Art Nouveau Nesting Tables with Botanical Marquetry by Émile Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare set of nesting tables by Émile Gallé, a leading figure of the French Art Nouveau movement. Each table features detailed botanical marquetry, with inlaid signatures at the top. T...
Wood
1920's Art Deco Figured Walnut Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A superb original Art Deco period figured walnut nest of tables, these were made in England and date from around the 1920-30’s. They are of amazing quality and have a very stylish d...
Walnut
$2,860 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.05 in D 15.75 in
Set of Four Hand-Carved French Art Nouveau Nesting Tables, Circa 1900
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set off four French Art Nouveau nesting tables,late 19th or early 20th century. Dimensions; 56 x 39 x 74 cm. 49 x 36 x 72 cm. 42 x 32 x 70 cm. 36 x 29 x 68 cm.
Wood
Emile Galle Marquetry Two Tiered Walnut and Fruitwood Table
By Émile Gallé
Located in Dallas, TX
Emile Galle (1846-1904) Two-Tiered Table Circa 1900 Émile Gallé French Walnut and Fruitwood Marquetry Two-Tiered Pedestal table. This Art Nouveau classic two tiered French walnut p...
Walnut, Fruitwood
French Art Nouveau Wooden Pedestal by Emile Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau two-tiered square pedestal with carved and marquetry decoration by Emile Gallé. The pedestal has two marquetry shelves depicting leaves. Its four sinuous legs ar...
Wood
$2,613 / set
H 21.26 in W 20.48 in D 14.97 in
Art Deco H & L Epstein Rare Set of Three Nest of Tables, English, c1930s
By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co
Located in Devon, England
A very stylish and distinctive Art Deco nest of walnut tables dating to the 1930s and made by H & L Epstein a highly regarded furniture maker of the period. One large table with two ...
Walnut
French Art Nouveau Game Table by Emile Galle
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bridgewater, CT
French Art Nouveau game table by Emile Galle.
Wood
Set of Four Chinese Hardwood Nesting Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of Four Chinese Hardwood nesting tables The largest 20" wide by 14" deep by 26" tall. The smallest 12 1/2" wide by 8" deep by 14"tall.Nice carving good condition with age appropr...
Hardwood
$8,217
H 29.73 in W 26.97 in D 19.49 in
Original French Art Nouveau Marquetry Table ''Japonisme'' by Emile Galle 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Very rare original Emile Galle ''plate 66 Japonisme'' side table in Art Nouveau style. This beautiful side table was created by Emile Galle in 1900, during the art nouveau period. It features exquisite marquetry woodwork that is inspired by the Japonisme movement, which was influenced by Japanese art and design. The side table is decorated with breathtaking Magnolia flowers & a romantic couple of butterflies. Made from various types of wood, creating a unique scenery almost like a painting. The table showcases intricate details, such as delicate foliage and organic forms, that are hallmarks of art nouveau style. Galle was renowned for his innovative techniques and attention to detail, and this piece is a testament to his mastery of the craft. It is a stunning example of the art nouveau movement and a true work of art. Literature: ''Galle furniture by Alastair Duncan and Georges de Bartha 2012 Page 153. Plate 66. This Emile Galle table...
Walnut, Fruitwood, Rosewood
$16,107Sale Price|20% Off
H 44.89 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Original Art Nouveau Pedestal by Emile Galle 1890 French Antique Inlaid Table
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Breathtaking & Most rare! This French Art Nouveau Pedestal by famous designer Emile Galle with early signature circa 1890. Exquisite Art ...
Wood, Fruitwood, Rosewood
Art Nouveau Émile Gallé "Table aux fougères" Marquetry Table
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary fougère table by Émile Gallé evokes the dense fern undergrowth of a tropical forest in Java (modern-day Indonesia). The struts that extend outward from the table’s...
Fruitwood
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
$1,847Sale Price / set|26% Off
H 27.56 in W 21.66 in D 14.97 in
Set of Four Art Nouveau Nesting Tables No. 10 by Thonet, circa 1900
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Lucenec, SK
Set of 4 Art Nouveau nesting tables or Quartetto tables by Thonet Wien, model no. 10, circa 1905.
Bentwood
Sold
H 27.76 in W 22.84 in D 15.16 in
Art Nouveau Set of Four Nesting Tables by Emile Galle Nancy France, 1900s
By Émile Gallé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare set of four Art Nouveau nesting tables. Design by Emile Gallé Nancy France. Striking French design from the 1900s. Four solid stained beech chamfered openwork su...
Beech, Walnut
Emile Gallé Art Nouveau Marquetry Nest of Four Tables, ca. 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Petaluma, CA
These fabulous art nouveau period tables were made by the noted French artist Emile Gallé. Known for his beautiful glass works and his furniture, his commitment to quality is easy ...
Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 22.84 in D 14.97 in
Emile Gallé Art Nouveau Marquetry Nest of Four Tables Seascape Boats, Circa 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Norwich, GB
Superb French Art Nouveau nest of tables with graduated tops, having specimen wood inlays with nautical themes of Brittany. Each table signed in marquetry, 'Gallé'. Circa 1900. Each table top is a work of art in its own right, a fabulous series representing seascapes of Brittany in specimen woods. Raised on beechwood chamfered openwork supports, united by stretchers. The main table shows a coastal landscape. The second having boats near the coastline, a lighthouse in the distance. The third, sailing boats at sea with light reflections. The fourth, Breton women in a rowing boat with light reflection, a gull in the foreground. The tables are in very good condition and have their original finish which has been lightly restored, cleaned and wax polished. Showing some age and use related patina marks to the tops. The top table has a few areas of inlay which have raised very slightly, please refer to photographs 17, 18 and 19. They are not loose, and it does not affect the table's use in any way. One of the legs has moved with age, as shown in the last photograph. This however is solid and does not affect the stability of the table. Emile Gallé (1846 – 1904) was one of the most important French designers of the Art Nouveau period. His career took off after his work received praise at the Paris Exhibition of 1878. Within a decade of another successful showing at the Paris Exhibition of 1889, Gallé had reached international fame and his style, with its emphasis on naturalism and floral motifs, was at the forefront of the emerging Art Nouveau movement. In 1901, together with Victor Prouvé, Louis Majorelle, Antonin Daum and Eugène Vallin...
Beech
Sold
H 27.56 in W 23.43 in D 14.77 in
Rare Nest of Four Emile Galle Specimen Wood Tables Art Nouveau Cats Burr Walnut
By Gallé, Émile Gallé
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare nest of four Emile Galle sample wood tables depicting cats and flowers If you are looking at this listing then the chance is you know who Galle is and are familiar with his work, if not please find below a brief history on the great man. These tables are based in oak, the tops are all very rare cuts of sample wood, there is yew, burr walnut, elm, mahogany and so on. Each table is signed with inlaid wood Galle, the third table is exceptionally rare and has the highly collectable Cats...
Elm, Oak, Walnut
Galle Set of Four Nesting Tables
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Galle set of nesting tables.
Wood
Stunning Art Nouveau Marquetry Nesting Tables Signed by Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in Paris, FR
Incredibly beautiful set of four nesting tables each one signed by Gallé in a Japanese way. In solid teinted beech wood. Gorgeous marquetry floral decoration and butterflies, etc., ...
Beech
Sold
H 27.96 in W 22.84 in D 14.97 in
Stunning French Art Nouveau Nesting Tables Set, All Signed by Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in Paris, FR
Set of four unique and Gorgeous nesting tables all of them signed by Gallé. Art Nouveau style Marquetry, fantastic artistic work and gorgeous contrasts of different precious woods, ...
Beech
Sold
H 27.75 in W 23.03 in D 15.15 in
Emile Gallé Art Nouveau Set of Nesting Tables Signed Nancy France Galle, c.1905
By Émile Gallé
Located in Vienna, AT
Emile Gallé / Set of Nesting Tables (signed). Manufactory: Nancy (France), designed, circa 1900 (Turn of Century). Emile Gallé (Nancy), manufactured, circa 1900/05. Emile Gal...
Mahogany
French Art Nouveau Nesting Tables by Émile Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
A set of four French Art Nouveau nesting tables by Emile Gallé decorated with fruitwood marquetry in a motif of thistle and butterflies. Each table represents a different stage of growth, with the smallest table showing the newly budded thistles. This model has particularly ornate carving in the aprons of each table. This ornament as well as the exceptional marquetry scenes on the table tops make this model of nesting tables the best that Gallé ever offered. Circa 1900 The Musée de l’École de Nancy has a similar set of Gallé tables...
Emile Gallé French Art Nouveau Nesting Tables
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
A set of four French Art Nouveau nesting tables by Emile Gallé. The tables have marquetry decoration depicting flowers and butterflies. Circa 1900. A similar set of tables is picture...
Sold
H 27.5 in W 23 in D 15 in
A Set of 4 Nesting Tables, Art Nouveau signed Emile Galle, Nancy France.
By Émile Gallé
Located in Winter Park, FL
A set of 4 Art Nouveau nesting tables, signed Galle. One table depicting a country scene with some iris ( 23" h 15" d 27/5H), one table depicting a water scene with three boats and ...
Emile Galle Set of Nesting Tables (signed) Nancy France circa 1900-05
By Émile Gallé
Located in Vienna, AT
Emile Gallé / Set of Nesting Tables (signed) Nancy (France), designed circa 1900 made by Emile Gallé (Nancy), circa 1900/05 height of largest table: 28 inches mahogany...
Mahogany