Introduction Emile Galle (1846-1904) was probably one of the most eminent art glass craftsman of the last century, though he did produce prior to 1900.
His work was almost entirely focused for the Art Nouveau period and style and he was based in his home town Nancy, France.
It is said that he was a poet in glass and his 'objects' were very closely aligned to the organic flowing style of the Art Nouveau.
His love of nature is reflected in all his work which covers a range of expression from jewellery,glass objects to furniture.
They incorporate images of flowers, trees, insects and animals Collecting Glass Galle produced vases, bowls, coupes,lamps and perfume bottles.
He is mainly remembered his vases and lamps.
His earlier work involved basic shapes to the pieces and had multi coloured enamel applied thereafter.
The overall effect was that of appearing to be Grecian or Classicist in appearance.
This work was not very desirable and this was reflected in the auction room prices.
Lately there has been an uptick probably because all authentic art in the world generally is harder to come by.
The next phase of his work was the most desirable and exciting.
It involved freeform and blown shapes which were covered with different layers of coloured glass and then carved by wheel to reveal a protruding form such as a tree or vine or petals of a flower.
It was as if the subject flowed into and out of the surface with the resulting colour changes in a sort of melting effect.
Subject matter included trees,plants,insects and animals.
This revealing of the layers through removal of glass was called cameo glass technique and other craftsmen used this later for their works.
This period of his work was directly under his hand or supervision and so is marked by a hand cut cameo signature and is most prized.
Works are valued according to the rarity of the subject matter, the number of layers applied and the work involved.
Also some work involved appliqué technique and another called 'blow out' shaping.
These have extra special influence in the valuing process, Allied to this, bronze mounts were made to be added to some pieces.
Because if this relative rare treatment there is extra value here.
His later work inclined to that called "industrial quality " where the work was effected by etching through templates.
These works were signed with industrial etch and are of lower value.
They also tended to have less layers added.
Caution for Collectors Pieces are damaged in the course of their lives.
These are repaired by altering the shape to remove and hide the damage.
Pieces that are more damaged are filled with coloured resins and textured to appear perfect.
Be alert here and get a UV lamp to check out their validity.
Any form of damage to glass drops its price dramatically.
Also fake Galle has been produced,especially in East Europe and is very good.
Take heed and consult with the circle of dealers and collectors.
They are far better informed than the auction house staff.