Vase With Thistles By émile Gallé

Multi-layer glass paste vase decorated with thistles in shades of green and pink. Signed Gallé in reserve, acid-engraved cameo. Height 40.5 cm.

Émile Gallé (1846-1904) was born in Nancy. He comes from an artistic family. He is a French industrialist, master glassmaker, cabinetmaker and ceramist. He is the founder and first president of the Nancy school in 1901. What we know less about him is his research in genetics and evolution concerning the plant world. He didn't just reproduce it, he took a scientific interest in it. After studying mineralogy in Germany, he studied glass at Meisenthal and ceramics at Saint-Clément, then joined the family glassmaking business in 1867. He represented his father at the Universal Exhibition. In 1871, he left for London to improve his English and work at the Kensington Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Émile Gallé is not limited to theoretical teaching, he also learns about blowing. He added to this good knowledge of cabinetmaking and above all the family passion for natural sciences and more particularly for plants which led him to drawing. In particular, he was a student of Dominique-Alexandre Godron, naturalist and doctor, in Nancy. On his return from London he settled in Paris to study the art of ancient crystals, the mass enamels of Arab lamps by Philippe-Joseph Brocard, or the Japanese art of Eugène Rousseau. It is rich in all his experiences that in 1877 he took over the activities developed by his father and set up on rue de la garenne in Nancy to develop the business. It was in 1878 at the Universal Exhibition that its fame spread throughout the world by obtaining 4 gold medals. In 1883, he built large earthenware, glassware and cabinetmaking workshops where he reserved a room in the center, where he developed his projects. Many artists and craftsmen began to work for him. He opened several counters and regularly exhibited his own works there. In 1889, he received the Grand Prix at the Universal Exhibition. Three hundred artists and craftsmen now work for him. He participated in the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. The following year he opened his crystal factory and participated in the Lorrain decorative art exhibition in Nancy. The beginning of the 20th century saw the crowning of his talent. Covered with honor and glory, he became a member of the National Society of Fine Arts of Paris and several learned societies. He died in full glory following an illness in 1904, undoubtedly linked to the practice of his profession.