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Orchids of Lotarigne...
The art of Emile Gallet and the Daums Brothers
28 December 1999 - 15 June 2000
The State Hermitage possesses a unique collection of works by the famous
masters Emile Gallet and August and Antonine Daum, the founders of the
leading artistic-industrial companies at Nancy, centre of Lotarigne, at
the end of the XIX century. The famous works by Emile Gallet combine the
brilliant skill in processing the multi-layer glass and exquisite forms
and decorations in moderne style. One of the favorite motives in Gallet's
works is an orchid. Two pink orchids decorate the two coupled vases presented
by Lotarigne to Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna.
Many items exhibited used to decorate the private apartments of Nicholas
II and Alexandra Fyodorovna in the Winter Palace. Some of them were produced
by two greatest masters of applied arts Emile Gallet and Carl Faberge
whose company manufactured the silver settings for the vases.
The masters of Daums Brothers factory, using the experience of Gallet,
created their own integral style. In 1899 both companies united forming
The Art School of Nancy.
Soon items made of multi-layer glass became fashionable in Europe and
in Russia. Refined glass vases decorated the houses striving for being
stylish and modern. People started to collect them. Some of the vases
were purchased at the World Fair in Paris in 1889 and 1890 for Baron A.L.
Schtiglitz's Museum in St. Petersburg. This collection later was transferred
to the Hermitage. Many pieces came as diplomatic gifts to the Royal Court
and decorated the beautiful palace interiors.
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Gallet's Vases
Larger view
A Vase with a Frog
and a Dragonfly
Larger view
A Vase with Ribbons, Plant Motifs and Dragonflies
Larger view
A Vase with Leaves and Flowers of Davia Dahlia
Larger view
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