An antique Art Nouveau étagère. Made of wood, veneered with rare wood species. The top is marked "L. Majorelle." France, 1920s.

Louis Majorelle (1859-1926) was a prominent French decorator of the early 20th century. Louis worked at the École des Beaux-Arts until 1877, after which he took over the family manufactory in Nancy, which specialized in furniture and earthenware. Majorelle pieces were exhibited at many prestigious exhibitions, including the d'Art Décoratif. But the company truly reached its peak in 1900, with its participation in the Exposition Universelle. Majorelle stores subsequently opened in Nancy, Paris, Lyon, and Lille.