Emile Gallé (1846-1904) was a major force in Art Nouveau, a fin-de-siècle trend in the arts. When Gallé appeared on the scene, transparent, crystal glass ruled the world of glass. What reversed that trend was Gallé’s work in colored glass. To reproduce the natural colors of flowers, insects, and other subjects faithfully, he first took up the difficult task of mastering the enameled glass technique, applying glass enamel pigments and firing them at low temperatures to fuse them to the glass. Applying enamels with a brush, he was able to create painterly depictions. Adding gold pigment to his works produced the lavishly gorgeous effect of gold or silver vessels, winning him great acclaim.
The Kitazawa Museum of Art, known around the world for its collection of glass by Gallé, Daum, and Lalique, is delighted to mount a special exhibition introducing Art Nouveau masterpieces and focusing on enameled glass. Gallé’s early period Clair-de-lune glass, the Daum brothers’ elaborately painted works, works by Lalique that highlight the boldness of Art Deco: please enjoy the fascination of this elegant, sophistocated enameled glass.