"Ombellifères" (cow parsley) Cabinet 1900

This "Ombellifères" cabinet was made by Emile Galle, likely around the turn of the 20th century. It's constructed from various types of wood, carefully selected and assembled. Galle was a master of marquetry – essentially, pictorial wood inlay. You can see this in the way the butterfly and floral motifs are rendered on the door. Different colors and textures of wood are used like paint, creating a delicate, almost ethereal effect. But look closer at the overall form: notice how the shelves and supports seem to flow organically, like branches. This cabinet is a prime example of Art Nouveau, a style that embraced natural forms and handcraftsmanship. It’s also an interesting commentary on consumption. The cabinet is not just a place to store objects; it's an object of beauty in itself, reflecting the owner's refined taste, and the skilled labor of its making. It’s a reminder that even functional objects can be works of art, blurring the lines between design and sculpture.