“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.
$2,258Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Side Table by Émile Gallé, Marquetry Wood, France, 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Elegant Art Nouveau tripod side table signed Gallé, featuring a distinctive shield-shaped top. The tabletop is richly decorated with fine marquetry depicting a thistle branch, an em...
Wood
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
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Occasional Table with Floral Marquetry
By Émile Gallé
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau occasional table with a circular top with shaped edge and floral marquetry inlay that rotates on a central axis, resting on four tapered sabre legs joined by a squ...
Wood
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Side Table, Marquetry Wood, France, Circa 1910
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Art Nouveau table, made in marquetry, by Émile Gallé (1846-1904). Signed Galle France, CIRCA 1910.
Wood
Art Nouveau Side Table by Emille Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau side table by Emille Gallé with water lily and dragonfly inlay. Professionally stained and repolished.
Wood
Art Nouveau Marquetry Corner Table
Located in Denton, TX
Art Nouveau table in carved walnut with floral and musical motive marquetry.
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
$4,645
H 27.96 in W 25.01 in D 18.31 in
Art Nouveau Marquetry Side Table by Émile Gallé, Walnut, France, 1900s
By Émile Gallé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau marquetry side table. Design by Émile Gallé Original solid walnut base with four tapered legs. The original table top, which has been slightly bended...
Macassar, Walnut
1900s French Art Nouveau Wooden Side Table With Floral Top
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French Art Nouveau wooden side table captures the movement’s characteristic fluidity and handcrafted elegance. Its gently arched legs, connected by lattice-style stretcher...
Wood
$56,315 / set
H 28.35 in W 22.84 in D 14.57 in
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
French Art Nouveau Game Table by Emile Galle
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bridgewater, CT
French Art Nouveau game table by Emile Galle.
Wood
Art Nouveau Marquetry Corner Table
Located in Denton, TX
Art Nouveau table in carved walnut with floral and musical motive marquetry. We can not verify the signature but appears to be Galle.
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Wood and Marquetry Side Table, Art Deco Period, France, circa 1930
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Wood and marquetry side table. Art Deco period, France, circa 1930.
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
$6,344
H 31.11 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Antique French Art Nouveau Side Table “Lilly” signed by Louis Majorelle 1900
By Louis Majorelle
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This elegant Art Nouveau side table, signed by Louis Majorelle and made in France circa 1900, is a fine example of the period’s craftsmanship and organic design. The shaped top feat...
Walnut
20th Century Side Table E. Gallé, Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century side table E. Gallé, Art Nouveau Solid wood with floral carvings. Variously colored marquetry on solid wood. Heraldic inlaid and profiled framed tabletop. Table top on...
Wood
$2,601 / item
H 17.72 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
“Portico Side Table” Collectible Riuvina Marble Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Portico Side Table is a sculptural object inspired by the enduring architecture of the Mediterranean. Defined by its solid geometry and monolithic presence, the piece functions a...
Marble
$15,895Sale 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 ...
Wood, Fruitwood, Rosewood
Sold
H 29 in W 22 in D 22 in
Art Nouveau Inlaid Naturalist Marquetry 2-Tier Side Table signed Emile Galle
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Art Nouveau triangular two-tier side table, signed by the esteemed French designer Emile Gallé, featuring stunning inlaid naturalist marquetry, originating from France...
Fruitwood, Walnut
French Art Nouveau Marquetry Table by Émile Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century Émile Gallé Double-Tier Inlaid Tea Table France This refined double-tier tea table exemplifies the poetic naturalism and technical mastery of Émile Gallé, one of t...
Wood
Emile GALLE French Art Nouveau Inlaid Side Table 1890
By Émile Gallé
Located in San Francisco, CA
French Art Nouveau inlaid two tiered side table by Émile Gallé, Thistle Motif, France, circa 1885–1890. A rare, genuine and exquisite French Art Nouveau small table designed by Émil...
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 14.25 in D 14.25 in
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Period Marquetry Side Table, Signed Galle
By Émile Gallé
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French Art Nouveau period walnut side table from the turn of the twentieth century is signed by the renowned artist Galle (Emile Galle 1846-1904). The tabletop features intricat...
Fruitwood, Sycamore, Walnut
Emile GALLE French Art Nouveau Inlaid Small Side Table 1890
By Émile Gallé
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Inlaid Side Table by Émile Gallé, Thistle Motif, France, circa 1885–1890. A rare, genuine and exquisite French Art Nouveau small table designed by Émile Gallé (Na...
Wood
Émile Gallé “Fleur de l’Eau” Three-tiered Table
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite three-tiered table by Émile Gallé presents a stunning vignette of water flowers, each tier depicting a different flower. The top tier features intricate marquetry depi...
Fruitwood, Walnut
A Table by Emile Gallé, circa 1925
By Émile Gallé
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
For a change, we delve into the realm of Art Nouveau with this table by Emile Gallé. A master glassmaker, cabinetmaker, and designer from the 19th century, Gallé was passionate about...
Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 22.84 in D 14.57 in
Set Of Four Art Nouveau Nesting Marquetry Tables, By Émile Gallé France, Ca 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of Art Nouveau tea tables: Four nesting side tables with ornate floral marquetry, designed by the famous Art Nouveau designer Émile Gallé, made in his workshop in Nancy, France, ...
Walnut
Sold
H 30.32 in Dm 16.54 in
Original Antique Art Nouveau side table Emile Gallé 1910 Marquetry Jugendstil
By Émile Gallé, Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare original Emile Galle side table in Art Nouveau design. This beautiful side table was created by Emile Galle in 1900-1910, during the art no...
Walnut
Sold
H 30.32 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Original rare antique French Art Nouveauu Side table / Gueridon by Emile Gallé
By Émile Gallé, Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous French Art Nouveau side table / gueridon by Emile Gallé model: Plate 162. Designed produced in 1905-1910. This is an antique original and not some reproduction. Amazing tri...
Wood
Sold
H 20.28 in W 17.13 in D 15.16 in
RARE ANTIQUE ORIGINAL EMILE GALLE SPECIMEN WOOD SiGNED TABLE WOODLAND SCENE
By Émile Gallé
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare Emile Galle signed side table Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price. If you are looking at this listing then the chance are you know who Galle is and are familiar with his work, if not please find below a brief history on the great man. The table depicts a lovely woodland scene with trees in the background and branches in the foreground In terms of the condition, it is sublime, it really is sublime Dimensions Height 51.5cm Width 43.5cm Depth 38.5cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask. Gallé was the son of a faience and furniture manufacturer and studied philosophy, botany, and drawing in his youth. He later learned glassmaking at Meisenthal and came to work at his father's factory in Nancy following the Franco-Prussian War. His early work was executed using clear glass decorated with enamel, but he soon turned to an original style featuring heavy, opaque glass carved or etched with plant motifs, often in two or more colours as cameo glass. His friend and patron Robert de Montesquiou sent him to Bayreuth with a recommendation to Cosima Wagner, which led to a great enthusiasm for Parsifal. In 1875, he married Henriette Grimm (1848-1914). In 1877, he then assumed his father’s role as director of the Maison Gallé-Reinemer. In that same year, he was elected Secretary-General for the Société centrale d’horticulture de Nancy. 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. He continued to incorporate experimental techniques into his work, such as metallic foils and air bubbles, and also revitalized the glass industry by establishing a workshop to mass-produce his, and other artists', designs. The factory would employ 300 workers and artisans at its height, including the notable glassmaker Eugène Rosseau, and remained in operation until 1936. Gallé wrote a book on art...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.53 in W 22.84 in D 13.19 in
Original Antique French Art Nouveau Side Table by Emile Galle 1900 Inlaid Wood
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exquisite French antique Art Nouveau side table by world famous Emile Gallé made in 1900 , singed on top. Fully original antique. ...
Wood