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Galle Cats
Figurines by Emile Galle, c1880
These enamelled ceramic cats have highly decorated coats, and their green glass eyes give them real character. Can you see the pictures in their lockets?
Their creator, Emile Galle, was one of the most significant figures in the French Art Nouveau movement, celebrated for his innovative techniques in glassware.
He studied art, botany and chemistry in his travels across Europe, combining these skills to experiment with techniques using glass, enamel and metallic foils.
He later developed his own factory in Nancy, producing not only glassware but also ceramics and furniture.
Galle sought to break down barriers between different types of decorative art, and these cheerful cats are great examples of his skills.
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