Large Art Nouveau centerpiece by Le Verre Français, Nancy

Large Art Nouveau centerpiece by LE VERRE FRANÇAIS, Nancy (France), ca. 1910.
Multi-layered blown and acid-etched glass in shades of green and dark violet, with an attached base.
It exhibits slightly wear consistent with age and use and minor surface wear.
Literature: Joulin/Maier 2020, p. 82
Measurements: 23 cm high x 34 cm in diameter.

Generously proportioned, the centerpiece features a globular, flattened body, raised on a low dark violet glass base and topped by a wide rim with an upturned edge. Against the translucent green background, a stylized floral design unfolds, consisting of clusters, leaves, and tendrils with undulating outlines. The motifs are rhythmically distributed around the body and extend toward the neck, where the outer layer becomes denser. The contrast between the two layers of glass enhances the depth of the design and allows the ornamentation to vary in intensity depending on the angle of the light.

The piece reflects the naturalistic style developed by Le Verre Français within the École de Nancy movement, characterized by the use of layered glass and plant motifs created through acid etching. This technique allowed for the selective removal of the outer layers of glass, creating raised motifs through the interplay of colors and transparencies.