Footed Cup, "Dragonfly"

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Artist: Emile Gallé
Place of production or style: France / Art Nouveau
Number of components: 1
Dimensions (in cm): W. 21.0, D. 17.0, H. 18.5
Date of production: 20th century 1903-1904

A dragonfly that appears to be fossilized rests on a marble glass cup. The shadow of the dragonfly is enclosed in the glass behind it, as though its spirit would depart. Gallé created this cup design when he was suffering from leukemia and sensing that death was near. He gave the cups to friends and relatives. On the back is his signature, starting with a G in the shape of a dragonfly. The dragonfly, a motif Gallé used repeatedly, came to symbolize Gallé himself. Here, amidst this expression of intense loneliness, we also sense Gallé's wish to live on forever in his glass.

Notable Works

Footed Cup, "Dragonfly"

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART