Galle Birdbath

Emile Gallé (1846-1904) was one of the foremost figures of the French Art Nouveau movement. He began his working career as apprentice to his father, a studio glassmaker. By 1884 he had developed his unique Art Nouveau style and was supplying studio glass to, among others, the Parisian shop “L’Art Nouveau”, (source of the movement’s namesake). He produced many forms of art glass and later furniture, but is perhaps best known for his overlaid cameo pieces of unusual design and exquisite quality. These pieces now command vast sums at auctions.