Émile Gallé “Libellules” Étagère
This Émile Gallé étagère exemplifies refined Art Nouveau design with finely carved, nature-inspired ornament. A crest rail adorned with dragonflies frames the mirror, which is flanked by raised side platforms with integrated drawers for discreet storage of personal accessories. The base is formed as a two-tiered demilune, its soft, semicircular outline enhancing the piece’s fluid silhouette. The top front and two drawers are inlaid with marquetry depicting dragonflies before a setting sun, while the lower tier and reverse are decorated with Japanese irises. It stands on three elegant cabriole legs, their S-curved forms echoing organic movement. The front leg is distinguished by a sculptural dragonfly caryatid, transforming a structural support into an expressive ornamental feature and highlighting Gallé’s integration of craftsmanship and nature.
Item #: YF-22056
Artist: Émile Gallé
Country: France
Circa: 1903
Dimensions: 68.5" height, 40" width, 16.5" depth.
Materials: Rosewood, Fruitwoods, Walnut, Beveled silvered glass, Bronze
Signed: Gallé
Provenance: The Ira Simon Collection, Chicago, Illinois
Literature: Duncan, Alastair, Art Nouveau Furniture, Clarkson N. Potter, 1982, p. 89 (figure 26, illustrated)
Item #: YF-22056
Artist: Émile Gallé
Country: France
Circa: 1903
Dimensions: 68.5" height, 40" width, 16.5" depth.
Materials: Rosewood, Fruitwoods, Walnut, Beveled silvered glass, Bronze
Signed: Gallé
Provenance: The Ira Simon Collection, Chicago, Illinois
Literature: Duncan, Alastair, Art Nouveau Furniture, Clarkson N. Potter, 1982, p. 89 (figure 26, illustrated)
The dragonfly works of Émile Gallé provoked very strong critical reaction when they were debuted in the 1900s, with champions of Art Nouveau lauding the modernity of the dragonfly as caryatid, while detractors were horrified by the very idea of insects as table legs. Time has certainly found favor with this design, as it has found its place of pride in museum collections around the world.
The dragonfly works of Émile Gallé provoked very strong critical reaction when they were debuted in the 1900s, with champions of Art Nouveau lauding the modernity of the dragonfly as caryatid, while detractors were horrified by the very idea of insects as table legs. Time has certainly found favor with this design, as it has found its place of pride in museum collections around the world.
Related Content
Collecting At Home: Spotlight On Loïe Fuller
Join Ben Macklowe in a Macklowe Gallery series that educates and inspires—without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. Episode 3: Spotlight On Loïe Fuller In this episode, Macklowe Gallery's president, Ben Macklowe, focuses on Loïe Fuller, the famed American actress and dancer who was widely considered to be the embodiment of the Art Nouveau movement, most known...
