Emile Gallé
Side table 'Libellules', 1900
A six-sided, slightly troughed tabletop with a lake landscape with hovering dragonfly on three feet in the form of elaborately carved, sculptural dragonflies. A second, three-sided, fitted top with water lily decoration. H. 77 cm, Ø 66 cm. Walnut, marquetry in various woods. Signed: E. Gallé with the inlaid Cross of Lorraine.
Designed for the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. The table was examined in 2024 by a state-certified restorer working for public museums, who confirmed that it is still in its original condition.
Estimate: 20,000 € - 24,000 €
16. June 2026 at 3:00 PM CEST
Literature:
Provenance: Government Councilor Dr. Jur. Eberhard Hörstel (1870-1932), the former owner of the "Salve Hospes" villa in Braunschweig (built 1805-1808, now the seat of the Braunschweig Art Association), acquired the 'Libellules' side table by Emile Gallé in the early 20th century. His daughter, dancer and actress Sonja Leströh (1909-1992), bequeathed most of the interior furnishings to her adopted daughter, the mother of the current owners. Duncan, The Paris Salons, Vol. III, Woodbridge 1996, p. 225; Cat. Nancy 1900, Munich City Museum, Mainz 1980, pp. 312 f.; Forster/Panchaud, Radikal schön, Jugendstil und Symbolismus, Wiesbaden 2019, p. 489, M 30.
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