Aube et Crépuscule (Dawn and Dusk)

Musée de l’École de Nancy, Nancy, France

Émile Gallé

Gallé was one of the most important designer of the Art Nouveau period. He not only designed furniture but glass and ceramics. His furniture included production work as well as one of a kind art pieces for special clients or exhibitions.

This bed is truly amazing. It was done in 1904.

The headboard depicts a huge insect with a landscape at dusk. There are mother-of-pearl dots inlaid as shining stars. The footboard has another insect with remarkable wings and pearly parts. The body of the insect was made in the Gallé glass factory. The wings are carved in low relief representing the ribs of the structure.