Delatte: French Art Deco Cameo Glass from Nancy
Delatte refers to art glass produced by Andre Delatte at his glassworks in Nancy, France, from approximately 1921 to 1933. Working in the Art Deco style, Delatte created cameo glass, acid-etched vases, and mottled glass pieces that reflect both the Nancy glass tradition established by Galle and Daum and the bold geometric sensibility of the Art Deco movement. Delatte glass is collected as part of the broader French art glass category.
History and Production
- Andre Delatte (1887-1953): Trained glassmaker who established his own workshop in Nancy
- c. 1921: Delatte opens his glassworks in Nancy, the historic center of French art glass
- 1920s-early 1930s: Primary production period; cameo glass, mottled glass, and applied decoration
- 1933: Factory closes during the economic difficulties of the Depression
- Delatte worked in the tradition of the Nancy school but with a distinctly Art Deco sensibility
- Production included both commercial-grade and finer artistic pieces
Identification and Marks
- Signed "A. Delatte Nancy" or "Delatte Nancy" in cameo or enamel, typically near the base
- Some pieces are signed in script within the cameo decoration
- The glass features two or more layers with acid-etched or cameo decoration
- Mottled and marbled color effects in the ground glass are common
- Common colors include orange, red, blue, purple, and amber, often in mottled combinations
- Applied glass elements (flowers, berries) appear on some pieces, influenced by Daum
Types and Decorative Styles
- Cameo vases: Acid-etched landscape, floral, and geometric designs
- Mottled glass: Richly colored glass with swirled, mottled color effects
- Applied decoration: Glass flowers, fruits, and other elements fused to the surface
- Lighting: Lamp bases and shades with acid-etched or mottled glass
- Small decorative items: Bowls, dishes, and cabinet pieces
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small cameo vase (4-6 in.) | $150 - $400 | Fine decoration: $500 - $1,000 |
| Medium cameo vase (7-10 in.) | $300 - $800 | Exceptional subject: $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Mottled glass vase | $100 - $350 | Vivid colors: $400 - $800 |
| Applied decoration piece | $400 - $1,200 | Elaborate: $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Lamp base or shade | $300 - $1,000 | Complete lamp: $1,200 - $3,000 |
| Large vase (12+ in.) | $500 - $1,500 | Museum quality: $2,000 - $4,000 |
Condition Factors
- Cameo decoration should be intact with no chips or losses in the relief layers
- Applied decorative elements are fragile; missing or damaged applications significantly reduce value
- Mottled glass should be free of internal cracks or fractures
- The signature should be clearly legible; obscured or damaged marks reduce confidence in attribution
- Color intensity and vibrancy are important factors in overall appeal and value
Collecting Tips
- Delatte glass offers an accessible entry point into the Nancy school of French art glass
- Pieces with applied glass elements are more distinctive and valuable than plain cameo examples
- The factory's brief 12-year production period (1921-1933) means total output was limited
- Compare prices with Daum Art Deco production for market context; Delatte generally trades lower
- Mottled glass pieces without cameo decoration are the most affordable Delatte category
- Authentication requires knowledge of the signature styles and glass characteristics; forgeries do exist