-Corolla- lamp c. 1900

This Corolla lamp was crafted by Emile Gallé, sometime between 1884 and 1904. Note how Gallé captures the fragility of nature using glass, a medium we often associate with delicate beauty. But here, it also evokes the fleeting nature of life itself. The lamp's design, resembling a flower in full bloom, makes it a potent symbol of growth, renewal, and the transient nature of beauty. The flower, in various forms, has been used across cultures and ages. Think of Botticelli's "Primavera", or the floriated crosses of the medieval era. The flower isn’t merely a symbol of beauty or decoration, but a reflection of the cyclical nature of existence. Its shape and form trigger deep-seated associations in our minds, connecting us to the universal themes of life, death, and rebirth. The lamp's floral form engages us on a primal level, awakening a sense of connection to the natural world. Gallé's lamp is not just a source of light, but also a reminder of the enduring power of symbols to transcend time.