Vaas met Judaspenning c. 1906 - 1914

This vase with Judaspenning was made by Emile Galle, who lived from 1846 to 1904. It is a small, elegant piece of glass, standing less than nine centimeters tall. The opaque glass is decorated with subtle purple botanical motifs achieved through acid etching. This was a signature technique of Galle’s, allowing him to build up layers of intricate designs. It was a labor intensive process, requiring great skill to control the depth and shading of the etched areas. Galle’s work was deeply connected to the social and political movements of his time. As a proponent of the Art Nouveau style, he embraced natural forms and organic motifs, and imbued his work with symbolism. The choice of Judaspenning, also known as the silver penny flower, might allude to themes of morality and redemption. Ultimately, the vase exemplifies Galle's innovative approach to glassmaking, where technical skill, artistic vision, and social consciousness converge. It challenges conventional hierarchies in the arts, elevating craft to the level of fine art.