Émile Gallé was born in Nancy on May 4, 1846 and died in the same city on September 23, 1904. He was a French industrialist, master glassmaker, cabinetmaker and ceramist.

He was the founder and first president of the Ecole de Nancy in 1901.

A child of art and commerce, he was one of the most important figures in the applied arts of his time and one of the pioneers of Art Nouveau. He is also a precursor in the field of genetics and evolution concerning the plant world. His work, which is not well known to the general public, is nevertheless of great relevance since it precedes that of Gregor Mendel and announces its main lines.