The Pola Museum of Art collection of glasswork includes fine Art Nouveau pieces. The literal meaning of ‘art nouveau’ is ‘new art’ and it was an overwhelmingly popular style. Glass artist Emile Gallé (1846 – 1904) was a major force in the Art Nouveau movement, characterized by liberal use of curved lines and novel designs inspired by plants and organic forms. Gallé succeeded at incorporating new art trends, from popular Japonisme styles to Symbolism.

Taking advantage of his deep knowledge of botany and entomology, Gallé was able to create a succession of remarkable works. His art has been described as ‘poetry in glass.’ He was fond of literature and incised poetic phrases or aphorisms in his glass art, the words adding value above the artistic qualities of form and design.
On display is a selection of around 60 engraved works from the nearly 300 pieces of Art Nouveau glass in the Pola collection. The works by Gallé and artists such as the Daum brothers (Auguste: 1853-1909, and Antonin: 1864-1930) and American artist Lewis C. Tiffany (1848-1933) together represent the glamour and fascination of French fin de siècle glass art.