Louis Majorelle – Art Nouveau furniture

Orchid table, carved, bronze, gilding, Louis Majorelle, circa 1903
Orchid table, carved, bronze, gilding, Louis Majorelle, circa 1903

Critically acclaimed as the undisputed master of Art Nouveau furniture, Louis Majorelle (1859-1926) combined the qualities of an excellent designer with technical virtuosity. The period from 1898 to 1908 was a fruitful period for him, marked by the creation of his famous series “Nénuphars” (Lilies), which he presented at the 1900 exhibition in Paris.

Showcase from the Orchid series, carving, bronze, gilding, Louis Majorelle, circa 1906
Showcase from the Orchid series, carving, bronze, gilding, Louis Majorelle, circa 1906

And in 1903 – a series with even more refined design – “Orchidée” (Orchid). A characteristic feature of these furniture models was the use of beautifully cast gilded bronze sculptural decorations. The Orchid table is also notable for the addition of lamps branching out above the top in the form of orchid flowers, which were created in collaboration with Daum Freres. Masterpieces such as this table were produced in very small numbers, no more than a few copies, although the exact number is not known.

Sofa Pommes de Pin (Pine Cones), walnut, velvet, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Sofa Pommes de Pin (Pine Cones), walnut, velvet, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905

Pair of armchairs Pommes de Pin (Pine Cones), walnut, velvet, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Pair of armchairs Pommes de Pin (Pine Cones), walnut, velvet, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Clematis display cabinet, walnut, satin, glass, silk, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Clematis display cabinet, walnut, satin, glass, silk, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Clematis armchair, walnut, rosewood, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Clematis armchair, walnut, rosewood, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Wardrobe, mahogany, fruitwood marquetry, gilded bronze, glass, mother-of-pearl, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Wardrobe, mahogany, fruitwood marquetry, gilded bronze, glass, mother-of-pearl, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Whatnot, walnut, marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Whatnot, walnut, marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Two small rosewood tables with marquetry by Émile Gallé (left) and Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Two small rosewood tables with marquetry by Émile Gallé (left) and Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Display case with carved cornice, walnut, rosewood, Louis Majorelle, circa 1910
Display case with carved cornice, walnut, rosewood, Louis Majorelle, circa 1910
Carved mahogany cabinet decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Carved mahogany cabinet decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Showcase veneered with rosewood, sycamore and amaranth with gilded bronze decoration, Louis Majorelle
Showcase veneered with rosewood, sycamore and amaranth with gilded bronze decoration, Louis Majorelle
Showcase veneered with rosewood, sycamore and amaranth with gilded bronze decoration, Louis Majorelle
Showcase veneered with rosewood, sycamore and amaranth with gilded bronze decoration, Louis Majorelle
Bunk tea table in mahogany, fruitwood marquetry, bronze, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Bunk tea table in mahogany, fruitwood marquetry, bronze, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Carved walnut table, probably Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Carved walnut table, probably Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Mahogany dressing table with mirror, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Mahogany dressing table with mirror, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Gueridon table in carved red with gilded bronze decoration, decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1902
Gueridon table in carved red with gilded bronze decoration, decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1902
Carved mahogany writing desk decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Carved mahogany writing desk decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Carved walnut bureau and chair with amaranth and fruit tree wood marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Carved walnut bureau and chair with amaranth and fruit tree wood marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1905
Mahogany dressing table adorned with gilded bronze overlays, Louis Majorelle, early 1920s
Mahogany dressing table adorned with gilded bronze overlays, Louis Majorelle, early 1920s
Sideboard ÉPIS DE BLÉS (Ear of Wheat) in mahogany, decorated with gilded bronze overlays, height 41.5 cm, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Sideboard ÉPIS DE BLÉS (Ear of Wheat) in mahogany, decorated with gilded bronze overlays, height 41.5 cm, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Mantel clock in walnut and gilded bronze, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Mantel clock in walnut and gilded bronze, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Carved mahogany cabinet, Louis Majorelle, early 1920s
Carved mahogany cabinet, Louis Majorelle, early 1920s
Mahogany sideboard, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Mahogany sideboard, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Carved mahogany bookcase with closed shelves, decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Carved mahogany bookcase with closed shelves, decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Mahogany secretaire decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
Mahogany secretaire decorated with marquetry, Louis Majorelle, circa 1900
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