INDEX
Handwritten Notes: A Reflection of Personality
One of the must-see items in this exhibition is Gallé’s handwritten message card, displayed in Column 1. This piece is part of the “Degpeers Family Collection,” which was recently acquired by the Suntory Museum, and it is being shown for the first time in this exhibition. The Degpeers family, based in Nancy, were key partners in Gallé’s business, managing the sales of his works in Paris and playing a significant role in supporting his popularity there. The card features elegant handwriting, expressing Gallé’s thoughts and feelings as the expo approached.
First and foremost, they are small! The cards are all business card-sized… but, interestingly, the messages are written in the margins of the cards themselves. From the tiny letters carefully written on the small paper, you can almost imagine Gallé’s personality, which feels amusing. Some of the cards include Japanese translations, and the content is surprisingly humble. Phrases like, “I am very afraid of not being able to measure up to such a big task,” or “Let’s meet again on the stage of honor!” convey the pressure and excitement Gallé must have felt as the expo approached. It’s a moment that makes Gallé feel incredibly relatable and easy to empathize with.
On the other hand, here is a handwritten note by Gallé regarding his creative process (displayed in Chapter 3). The illustrations are smaller than expected, and there is a considerable amount of text. These kinds of sketchbook-like notes are fascinating as they provide a glimpse into the artist’s thought process. Additionally, you can also see records of orders for his works from the expo, so be sure to pay attention to the paper materials displayed in the exhibition room.
