The Cabinet of Medals of the Gallé estate

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Original, unique, extremely prolific. These are the adjectives that are applied to the work of Emile Gallé, glass and furniture maker, ceramist. Creator of what was called the School of Nancy, his career far from the tumult and glory of the capital made his success even more commendable.

One can imagine a man of tireless passion, activist of social progress, finding the inspiration for his work in the wonders of nature and the arts of Japan.

Gallé experienced his greatest success at the Exposition Universelle of Paris in 1900. The cabinet of medals he made (among other items) for this exhibition concentrates what is best in his furniture. This piece of furniture intended for the storage of a collection of medals is decorated according to the Japanese motif of primroses, present not only in the marquetery but also in the bronzes and in all the joining parts.

This cabinet was deemed sufficiently important by the heirs of Gallé for them to retain it up to now. It is coming in the estate sale of his grand-son Jean Bourgogne, a former director of the Gallé glassware workshop. Organized by Ader, this auction takes place on March 20 in Paris, Hôtel Drouot. The estimate of 40 K€ will certainly be greatly exceeded.

Thank you to Desesseintes for drawing my attention to the importance of this sale which includes, of course, many other pieces created by Gallé.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The buyers did not follow the enthusiasm of the expert for the cabinet of medals. It was sold € 25.5 K, far below the low estimate.

However, other furniture of Gallé, estimated lower, have far exceeded their estimates: a commode to 52 K €, a showcase to 41 K €, two buffets at 28 and 46 K €, a game table at 30 K €. A Dahlias chair estimated 3 K € was sold 26 K €.

These prices are before fees.