Émile Gallé

Galle was involved in the "naturalist" movement associated with the Ecole de Nancy and with Art Nouveau in general. He designed ceramics and furniture as well as glass. The first technique which he explored was enamelling on glass. The first pieces were produced soon after 1874. These were signed in brown enamel or gilt. His finest work was produced 1878 onward. He took inspiration from verses or romantic symbolism and from 18th C. Chinese and Japanese artists which inspired him to revive the cameo-glass technique. Galle eventually succumbed to mass production to popularize Art Nouveau products. In 1904, he died of Leukemia at 58 yrs. old.