Art Nouveau Seascape Boats Nesting Tables by Emile Gallé, 1900s, Set of 4

Superb French Art Nouveau nest of tables with graduated tops, having specimen wood inlays with nautical themes of Brittany. Each table signed in marquetry, 'Gallé'. Circa 1900.

Each table top is a work of art in its own right, a fabulous series representing seascapes of Brittany in specimen woods. Raised on beechwood chamfered openwork supports, united by stretchers.

The main table shows a coastal landscape. The second having boats near the coastline, a lighthouse in the distance. The third, sailing boats at sea with light reflections. The fourth, Breton women in a rowing boat with light reflection, a gull in the foreground.

The tables are in very good condition and have their original finish which has been lightly restored, cleaned and wax polished. Showing some age and use related patina marks to the tops. The top table has a few areas of inlay which have raised very slightly, please refer to photographs 19, 20 and 21. They are not loose, and it does not affect the table's use in any way.

One of the legs has moved with age, as shown in the photograph number 22. This however is solid and does not affect the stability of the table.

Emile Gallé (1846 – 1904) was one of the most important French designers of the Art Nouveau period. His career took off after his work received praise at the Paris Exhibition of 1878. Within a decade of another successful showing at the Paris Exhibition of 1889, Gallé had reached international fame and his style, with its emphasis on naturalism and floral motifs, was at the forefront of the emerging Art Nouveau movement.

In 1901, together with Victor Prouvé, Louis Majorelle, Antonin Daum and Eugène Vallin, he founded an Art Nouveau movement known as École de Nancy (The Nancy School). Many of Gallé's works are kept at the Musée de l’École de Nancy.

Additional dimensions information:

The largest table is 58cm wide x 38cm deep x 70cm high. The smallest table is 36cm wide x 37cm deep x 64cm high.

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