FURNITURE 1800-1910
FURNITURE BY A BRONZE MAKER
2009 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In Paris in the eighteenth century, the work of the cabinetmaker and of the bronze maker were to complement each other, for the production of luxury furniture. At the end of that century and the beginning of the next one, a new step is reached: really, why would we not produce full bronze furniture?
The console, a narrow furniture without drawers, applies very well to such a development. Here is a pair of consoles in bronze, that comes to Paris (Drouot) under the hammer of Thierry de Maigret on June 12.
Their luxury justifies the estimate of 600 K €. The bronze is finely carved and gilded in three shades: matt, shiny and silvered. Cyrillic inscriptions attest that they once went to Russia. But who made them?
Winged cherubs placed as caryatids are recorded motifs in the work of Pierre-Philippe Thomire. The French commercial links with Russia are also known, including in this network where I discussed it last year in an article on Thomire and Dugourc in the Furnishings group.
Our consoles measure 82 x 108 x 31 cm. Each is equipped with its marble. The spacers are adorned with a potpourri vase which certainly serves to balance the furniture.
In Paris in the eighteenth century, the work of the cabinetmaker and of the bronze maker were to complement each other, for the production of luxury furniture. At the end of that century and the beginning of the next one, a new step is reached: really, why would we not produce full bronze furniture?
The console, a narrow furniture without drawers, applies very well to such a development. Here is a pair of consoles in bronze, that comes to Paris (Drouot) under the hammer of Thierry de Maigret on June 12.
Their luxury justifies the estimate of 600 K €. The bronze is finely carved and gilded in three shades: matt, shiny and silvered. Cyrillic inscriptions attest that they once went to Russia. But who made them?
Winged cherubs placed as caryatids are recorded motifs in the work of Pierre-Philippe Thomire. The French commercial links with Russia are also known, including in this network where I discussed it last year in an article on Thomire and Dugourc in the Furnishings group.
Our consoles measure 82 x 108 x 31 cm. Each is equipped with its marble. The spacers are adorned with a potpourri vase which certainly serves to balance the furniture.
1800 Back from Egypt
2011 SOLD 600 K€ including premium
A table in gilded bronze equipped with its pink granite top is for sale by Christie's in Paris on September 19.
It is dated circa 1800. Indeed, the pseudo-Egyptian decor is typical of the time of the Consulate, when Bonaparte has just returned from the Egyptian campaign. For our table, it is demonstrated by the four caryatid legs in the shape of bulky winged female Sphinges.
The decoration is fantastic and meaningless, like the winged sea horses that come in a frieze around a head of Apollo. When Bonaparte will becone Napoléon I, the Imperial furniture will be more serious.
The idea of replacing the wood with bronze for the structure and the feet of furniture was then recent, and this table was probably made in one of the largest Parisian bronze workshops of the time. The attribution to Pierre-Philippe Thomire is tempting, but always difficult because many of his productions have not been signed.
This table, 137 x 77 cm with a height of 90 cm, is estimated € 500K. It is atypical, a feature which does not guarantee the success for an unsigned piece of furniture.
POST SALE COMMENT
Good result, € 600K including premium. This unusual piece of furniture was certainly not easy to sell.
It is dated circa 1800. Indeed, the pseudo-Egyptian decor is typical of the time of the Consulate, when Bonaparte has just returned from the Egyptian campaign. For our table, it is demonstrated by the four caryatid legs in the shape of bulky winged female Sphinges.
The decoration is fantastic and meaningless, like the winged sea horses that come in a frieze around a head of Apollo. When Bonaparte will becone Napoléon I, the Imperial furniture will be more serious.
The idea of replacing the wood with bronze for the structure and the feet of furniture was then recent, and this table was probably made in one of the largest Parisian bronze workshops of the time. The attribution to Pierre-Philippe Thomire is tempting, but always difficult because many of his productions have not been signed.
This table, 137 x 77 cm with a height of 90 cm, is estimated € 500K. It is atypical, a feature which does not guarantee the success for an unsigned piece of furniture.
POST SALE COMMENT
Good result, € 600K including premium. This unusual piece of furniture was certainly not easy to sell.
THE BEDSIDE TABLE OF NAPOLEON'S SECRETARY
2009 SOLD 60 K€ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
A beautiful mahogany table from the French Empire by Jacob-Desmalter is for sale by SGL-Enchères in Saint-Germain-en-Laye on March 15.
François-Honoré Jacob, who took the name Jacob-Desmalter after 1803, was one of the leading suppliers of furniture for the court of Napoleon I. He was the younger son of Georges Jacob, who was the most important seat manufacturer of the Louis XVI, Directoire, Consulat and Empire periods.
Our bedside table was delivered to a major personality in the immediate entourage of Napoleon, his secretary Bourrienne, and was included in the latter's estate. It is typical of the Empire style, of neo-classical inspiration related to a renewed interest in antiquity. It is richly decorated with figurative and decorative gilt bronzes, including a large lying dog in the lower part of the furniture. A similar copy is displayed in the museum of Fontainebleau.
It is a small piece of furniture, according to its usage: 80 cm high, 40 cm wide, 33 cm deep. For this reason, a small price is awaited: 30 K €.
POST SALE COMMENT
Result: 60 K € fees included. That's good. The estimate had seemed low.
The video dedicated to the sale of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is presented by Mr. Dey, an expert in historical memories who is famous in French auction sales.
A beautiful mahogany table from the French Empire by Jacob-Desmalter is for sale by SGL-Enchères in Saint-Germain-en-Laye on March 15.
François-Honoré Jacob, who took the name Jacob-Desmalter after 1803, was one of the leading suppliers of furniture for the court of Napoleon I. He was the younger son of Georges Jacob, who was the most important seat manufacturer of the Louis XVI, Directoire, Consulat and Empire periods.
Our bedside table was delivered to a major personality in the immediate entourage of Napoleon, his secretary Bourrienne, and was included in the latter's estate. It is typical of the Empire style, of neo-classical inspiration related to a renewed interest in antiquity. It is richly decorated with figurative and decorative gilt bronzes, including a large lying dog in the lower part of the furniture. A similar copy is displayed in the museum of Fontainebleau.
It is a small piece of furniture, according to its usage: 80 cm high, 40 cm wide, 33 cm deep. For this reason, a small price is awaited: 30 K €.
POST SALE COMMENT
Result: 60 K € fees included. That's good. The estimate had seemed low.
The video dedicated to the sale of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is presented by Mr. Dey, an expert in historical memories who is famous in French auction sales.
1833 The Battles of Tsar Nicholas I
2011 SOLD 2 M$ including premium
A table in gilded bronze with an opulent decoration is for sale on April 12 at Sotheby's in New York. Clearly designed for obtaining the favor of Tsar Nicholas I, it shows the emblems and trophies of his military glory, which was great! Indeed this domineering monarch intervened in any conflict involving the neighboring countries of his empire.
The tabletop of 104 cm in diameter is mounted on a single central pedestal flanked by three big double-headed eagles. It is decorated with a large rectangular micromosaic showing a decisive battle of the Russo-Turkish war of 1828-1829, which is illustrated in the press release shared by Artdaily.
The mosaic dated 1833 was made in Rome by Gioacchino Barberi after a watercolor of Alexander Orlovski.
Russian art lovers are looking especially to memories directly related to their sovereigns. Unfortunately there is no evidence that this table has reached the Tsar. Although this piece is perhaps unique in its kind, the estimate, $ 400K, is ambitious.
POST SALE COMMENT
Scarcity and quality prevailed: $ 2M including premium.
The tabletop of 104 cm in diameter is mounted on a single central pedestal flanked by three big double-headed eagles. It is decorated with a large rectangular micromosaic showing a decisive battle of the Russo-Turkish war of 1828-1829, which is illustrated in the press release shared by Artdaily.
The mosaic dated 1833 was made in Rome by Gioacchino Barberi after a watercolor of Alexander Orlovski.
Russian art lovers are looking especially to memories directly related to their sovereigns. Unfortunately there is no evidence that this table has reached the Tsar. Although this piece is perhaps unique in its kind, the estimate, $ 400K, is ambitious.
POST SALE COMMENT
Scarcity and quality prevailed: $ 2M including premium.
1846 MAORI WOOD FOR A PRINCELY CRADLE
2014 UNSOLD
On June 3 in Armadale (Melbourne suburb), Mossgreen sells a spectacular cradle in late Renaissance style, estimated AUD 300K, illustrated in the article shared by Antiques Trade Gazette. This piece of furniture is neither signed nor dated but converges by its unique characteristics to be attributed to Johan Martin Levien in 1846.
Levien had served his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker in his native town in Pomerania but soon turned into a globe trotter in search of the rarest timbers. Interested in Pernambuco wood in Brazil, he then left that country for New Zealand where he worked from 1840 to 1843.
Back in Europe with a large selection of New Zealand woods, Levien opened a workshop in London to make furniture decorated in veneer and marquetry, skillfully combining European and New Zealander species. He made opulent sideboards in the Renaissance style in vogue at that time.
Using many woods including the beautiful totara which is the Maori favorite, the cradle is of royal quality. Two ivory medallions show the faces of the first two children of Queen Victoria. A large ivory plaque is adorned with five heads of cherubs.
Levien was appointed cabinet-maker of her Majesty in 1846, the year of the birth of the fifth child of Victoria, Princess Helena, whose cradle was not yet identified. The present cradle is certainly the masterpiece, in the etymological meaning of that word, for the royal patronage of Levien.
This piece left England at an unknown date, probably bought by an unidentified avid connoisseur of Oceanian timbers. It surfaced in May 2010 in a weekly furniture auction in Melbourne (not by Mossgreen). A young bidder appreciated how that lot was unusual and bought it for AUD 3.2 K for studying it. Congratulations!
Levien had served his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker in his native town in Pomerania but soon turned into a globe trotter in search of the rarest timbers. Interested in Pernambuco wood in Brazil, he then left that country for New Zealand where he worked from 1840 to 1843.
Back in Europe with a large selection of New Zealand woods, Levien opened a workshop in London to make furniture decorated in veneer and marquetry, skillfully combining European and New Zealander species. He made opulent sideboards in the Renaissance style in vogue at that time.
Using many woods including the beautiful totara which is the Maori favorite, the cradle is of royal quality. Two ivory medallions show the faces of the first two children of Queen Victoria. A large ivory plaque is adorned with five heads of cherubs.
Levien was appointed cabinet-maker of her Majesty in 1846, the year of the birth of the fifth child of Victoria, Princess Helena, whose cradle was not yet identified. The present cradle is certainly the masterpiece, in the etymological meaning of that word, for the royal patronage of Levien.
This piece left England at an unknown date, probably bought by an unidentified avid connoisseur of Oceanian timbers. It surfaced in May 2010 in a weekly furniture auction in Melbourne (not by Mossgreen). A young bidder appreciated how that lot was unusual and bought it for AUD 3.2 K for studying it. Congratulations!
1877 JAPANIST FURNITURE BY EDOUARD LIEVRE
2009 SOLD 440 K€ BEFORE FEES
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Who were the great French cabinetmakers of the mid-nineteenth century? Napoleon III furniture pieces are often anonymous. The "de style" furniture, which imitates those of the previous century, were not appealing to historians. Only a few names come to the surface, as Sormani and Grohé. It is just like nothing between the Empire and Art Nouveau. Linke is a contemporary of Gallé.
An exceptional auction information came and excited the collectors of furniture from this period. It was announced in December 2008 that a Japanist cabinet manufactured by Edouard Lièvre had exploded its estimate and exceeded 2 million pounds. I never saw a contradiction, but this lot is no longer quoted as sold in the archives of the concerned auction house. Furthermore, I realize now that this work was posthumous.
This does not detract from the merit of Lièvre, creator of fine furniture. A monumental showcase, 295 x 282 x 61 cm, will be auctioned at Lempertz in Cologne on November 20. This authentic furniture of the master was made around 1877 for the painter Detaille.
The curves of its profile anticipate Majorelle, and the original arrangement of shelves is a forerunner of Gallé. The Japanese-style decor is simple, unlike the more exuberant furniture mentioned here above. The estimate, 400 K €, seems ambitious.
POST SALE COMMENT
This sale did not seem easy. It is successful: congratulations to the auction house. Result: 440 K € excl.
Who were the great French cabinetmakers of the mid-nineteenth century? Napoleon III furniture pieces are often anonymous. The "de style" furniture, which imitates those of the previous century, were not appealing to historians. Only a few names come to the surface, as Sormani and Grohé. It is just like nothing between the Empire and Art Nouveau. Linke is a contemporary of Gallé.
An exceptional auction information came and excited the collectors of furniture from this period. It was announced in December 2008 that a Japanist cabinet manufactured by Edouard Lièvre had exploded its estimate and exceeded 2 million pounds. I never saw a contradiction, but this lot is no longer quoted as sold in the archives of the concerned auction house. Furthermore, I realize now that this work was posthumous.
This does not detract from the merit of Lièvre, creator of fine furniture. A monumental showcase, 295 x 282 x 61 cm, will be auctioned at Lempertz in Cologne on November 20. This authentic furniture of the master was made around 1877 for the painter Detaille.
The curves of its profile anticipate Majorelle, and the original arrangement of shelves is a forerunner of Gallé. The Japanese-style decor is simple, unlike the more exuberant furniture mentioned here above. The estimate, 400 K €, seems ambitious.
POST SALE COMMENT
This sale did not seem easy. It is successful: congratulations to the auction house. Result: 440 K € excl.
1878 REPLICAS OF THE BUREAU DU ROI
2014 SOLD 930 K€ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The eighteenth century was a great era for French furniture. It is dominated by an exceptional piece : the bureau à cylindre (roll top secretary) commissioned in 1760 by Louis XV for his cabinet room at Versailles.
The supervisor is Jean-François Oeben who carries out the plans and begins the execution. Oeben specializes in the complex mechanisms required for the systems that will protect the records of the king. A quarter turn key enables the king to open the access to all his drawers while another mechanism allows servants to renew ink and paper without accessing the secrets.
It will take nine years to complete this monumental masterpiece, 1.47 x 1.92 x 1.05 m, richly decorated with marquetry and bronze. After the untimely death of Oeben in 1763, the work is done by Riesener.
The nineteenth century was the time of the promotion of the industry. The emphasis is on the skill of the craftsman rather than on the originality of the artist. Close reproductions of the bureau of the king are encouraged during the Universal Exhibition of 1878.
A replica is estimated € 150K, for sale on March 25 in Paris by AuctionArt Rémy Le Fur. Here is the link to the homepage of the sale, which also displays the German harpsichord recently discussed in this column. The replica is very close to the original bureau that was in the Louvre at that time.
It seems that only one among the cabinetmakers of that time had the talent to copy the mechanisms of Oeben : Henry Dasson. This furniture is attributed to him.
POST SALE COMMENT
This very interesting example of French furniture of the 19th century (meuble de style) was sold for € 930K including premium.
The eighteenth century was a great era for French furniture. It is dominated by an exceptional piece : the bureau à cylindre (roll top secretary) commissioned in 1760 by Louis XV for his cabinet room at Versailles.
The supervisor is Jean-François Oeben who carries out the plans and begins the execution. Oeben specializes in the complex mechanisms required for the systems that will protect the records of the king. A quarter turn key enables the king to open the access to all his drawers while another mechanism allows servants to renew ink and paper without accessing the secrets.
It will take nine years to complete this monumental masterpiece, 1.47 x 1.92 x 1.05 m, richly decorated with marquetry and bronze. After the untimely death of Oeben in 1763, the work is done by Riesener.
The nineteenth century was the time of the promotion of the industry. The emphasis is on the skill of the craftsman rather than on the originality of the artist. Close reproductions of the bureau of the king are encouraged during the Universal Exhibition of 1878.
A replica is estimated € 150K, for sale on March 25 in Paris by AuctionArt Rémy Le Fur. Here is the link to the homepage of the sale, which also displays the German harpsichord recently discussed in this column. The replica is very close to the original bureau that was in the Louvre at that time.
It seems that only one among the cabinetmakers of that time had the talent to copy the mechanisms of Oeben : Henry Dasson. This furniture is attributed to him.
POST SALE COMMENT
This very interesting example of French furniture of the 19th century (meuble de style) was sold for € 930K including premium.
[Mars 2014] Ce bureau à cylindre style Louis XV a trouvé acquéreur pour 930 000 € @Drouot http://t.co/j0IusLEp9V pic.twitter.com/A7ZX3RfMmQ
— AuctionArt Paris (@auctionartparis) July 2, 2015
1882 MACKMURDO'S CHAIR
2009 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Architect and interior designer, student with Ruskin and influenced by William Morris and also connoisseur of Renaissance art, Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo was a pioneer in the renewal of the craft of furniture. In 1882, when the Arts and Crafts movement was just beginning, Mackmurdo founded the Century Guild of Artists.
He wanted to provide his customers with a whole range of furniture by focusing his efforts on the simplification of forms and the efficiency of production. The Art Nouveau, which at the turn of the century would spread throughout Europe, is emerging from the Mackmurdo project.
The oak chair that Dreweatts sells at Donnington Priory on October 6 is typical of the production of 1882, yet it already has the shapes and designs of Art Deco with its inverted trapezoid back and its floral decoration.
It is unfortunately incomplete, and £ 80K would be sufficient to acquire it (but not to sit because the missing part is precisely the seat).
Architect and interior designer, student with Ruskin and influenced by William Morris and also connoisseur of Renaissance art, Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo was a pioneer in the renewal of the craft of furniture. In 1882, when the Arts and Crafts movement was just beginning, Mackmurdo founded the Century Guild of Artists.
He wanted to provide his customers with a whole range of furniture by focusing his efforts on the simplification of forms and the efficiency of production. The Art Nouveau, which at the turn of the century would spread throughout Europe, is emerging from the Mackmurdo project.
The oak chair that Dreweatts sells at Donnington Priory on October 6 is typical of the production of 1882, yet it already has the shapes and designs of Art Deco with its inverted trapezoid back and its floral decoration.
It is unfortunately incomplete, and £ 80K would be sufficient to acquire it (but not to sit because the missing part is precisely the seat).
1899-1903 LINKE COPIED BENEMAN'S COMMODE
2009 SOLD 220 K$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
At the end of the reign of Louis XVI, an opulent model of commode is created for the palace of Compiègne. It is a commode à encoignures, which means that both sides are formed of arc-shaped shelves. Napoleon I loved this model, and kept a copy in his apartments in the palace.
This model remained prestigious during a century and is the subject of many exact copies as "commode de Beneman". More recent investigations showed that the role of Guillaume Benneman (that is the spelling we use today) was to alter a model of Joseph Stockel and affix his stamp.
In recent years, the knowledge about French cabinetmakers of the late nineteenth century improved. François Linke was one of the best and his luxury furniture inspired by the eighteenth century are among the most wanted.
His record shows that he produced very few commodes from Beneman's model, between 1899 and 1903. The copy for sale at Sotheby's in New York on April 20 is titled "commode à oiseau" because of the subject of its very nice decoration of gilt bronze. This large piece of furniture (94 x 237 x 75 cm) is estimated 150 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sotheby's has exceeded the reasonable estimate of this commode, with a result at 220 K $ including expenses.
At the end of the reign of Louis XVI, an opulent model of commode is created for the palace of Compiègne. It is a commode à encoignures, which means that both sides are formed of arc-shaped shelves. Napoleon I loved this model, and kept a copy in his apartments in the palace.
This model remained prestigious during a century and is the subject of many exact copies as "commode de Beneman". More recent investigations showed that the role of Guillaume Benneman (that is the spelling we use today) was to alter a model of Joseph Stockel and affix his stamp.
In recent years, the knowledge about French cabinetmakers of the late nineteenth century improved. François Linke was one of the best and his luxury furniture inspired by the eighteenth century are among the most wanted.
His record shows that he produced very few commodes from Beneman's model, between 1899 and 1903. The copy for sale at Sotheby's in New York on April 20 is titled "commode à oiseau" because of the subject of its very nice decoration of gilt bronze. This large piece of furniture (94 x 237 x 75 cm) is estimated 150 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sotheby's has exceeded the reasonable estimate of this commode, with a result at 220 K $ including expenses.
1900 THE CABINET OF MEDALS FROM THE GALLE ESTATE
2009 SOLD 25.5 K€ BEFORE FEES
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Original, unique, extremely prolific. These are the adjectives that are applied to the work of Emile Gallé, glass and furniture maker, ceramist. Creator of what was called the School of Nancy, his career far from the tumult and glory of the capital made his success even more commendable.
One can imagine a man of tireless passion, activist of social progress, finding the inspiration for his work in the wonders of nature and the arts of Japan.
Gallé experienced his greatest success at the Exposition Universelle of Paris in 1900. The cabinet of medals he made (among other items) for this exhibition concentrates what is best in his furniture. This piece of furniture intended for the storage of a collection of medals is decorated according to the Japanese motif of primroses, present not only in the marquetery but also in the bronzes and in all the joining parts.
This cabinet was deemed sufficiently important by the heirs of Gallé for them to retain it up to now. It is coming in the estate sale of his grand-son Jean Bourgogne, a former director of the Gallé glassware workshop. Organized by Ader, this auction takes place on March 20 in Paris, Hôtel Drouot. The estimate of 40 K€ will certainly be greatly exceeded.
POST SALE COMMENT
The buyers did not follow the enthusiasm of the expert for the cabinet of medals. It was sold € 25.5 K, far below the low estimate.
However, other furniture of Gallé, estimated lower, have far exceeded their estimates: a commode to 52 K €, a showcase to 41 K €, two buffets at 28 and 46 K €, a game table at 30 K €. A Dahlias chair estimated 3 K € was sold 26 K €.
These prices are before fees.
Original, unique, extremely prolific. These are the adjectives that are applied to the work of Emile Gallé, glass and furniture maker, ceramist. Creator of what was called the School of Nancy, his career far from the tumult and glory of the capital made his success even more commendable.
One can imagine a man of tireless passion, activist of social progress, finding the inspiration for his work in the wonders of nature and the arts of Japan.
Gallé experienced his greatest success at the Exposition Universelle of Paris in 1900. The cabinet of medals he made (among other items) for this exhibition concentrates what is best in his furniture. This piece of furniture intended for the storage of a collection of medals is decorated according to the Japanese motif of primroses, present not only in the marquetery but also in the bronzes and in all the joining parts.
This cabinet was deemed sufficiently important by the heirs of Gallé for them to retain it up to now. It is coming in the estate sale of his grand-son Jean Bourgogne, a former director of the Gallé glassware workshop. Organized by Ader, this auction takes place on March 20 in Paris, Hôtel Drouot. The estimate of 40 K€ will certainly be greatly exceeded.
POST SALE COMMENT
The buyers did not follow the enthusiasm of the expert for the cabinet of medals. It was sold € 25.5 K, far below the low estimate.
However, other furniture of Gallé, estimated lower, have far exceeded their estimates: a commode to 52 K €, a showcase to 41 K €, two buffets at 28 and 46 K €, a game table at 30 K €. A Dahlias chair estimated 3 K € was sold 26 K €.
These prices are before fees.
1901-1902 A VIENNESE DINING ROOM
2009 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Designed by Josef Hoffmann and manufactured by Portois and Fix in 1901/1902, the dining room that Dorotheum will sell in Vienna on May 14 is typical of the art of this city at that time. It consists of an extensible table, six armchairs, a wall panel fitted with drawers, two small cabinets, two display cabinets and a wardrobe.
With this clear furniture in pitch pine, of simple geometric shapes, we enter straight into the twentieth century. Josef Hoffmann was one of the creators of the artistic movement of the Viennese Secession, which sought to promote the applied arts. So departing from the Art Nouveau style, Hoffmann had a great influence on the Art Déco.
Note his young age at the time of the creation of this dining room: he was barely more than thirty years old.
This set is offered in a single lot, estimated 250 K €.
Designed by Josef Hoffmann and manufactured by Portois and Fix in 1901/1902, the dining room that Dorotheum will sell in Vienna on May 14 is typical of the art of this city at that time. It consists of an extensible table, six armchairs, a wall panel fitted with drawers, two small cabinets, two display cabinets and a wardrobe.
With this clear furniture in pitch pine, of simple geometric shapes, we enter straight into the twentieth century. Josef Hoffmann was one of the creators of the artistic movement of the Viennese Secession, which sought to promote the applied arts. So departing from the Art Nouveau style, Hoffmann had a great influence on the Art Déco.
Note his young age at the time of the creation of this dining room: he was barely more than thirty years old.
This set is offered in a single lot, estimated 250 K €.
1905 The Nenuphar Bedroom by Louis Majorelle
2011 SOLD 1.16 M€ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The Ecole de Nancy was able to free the French furniture of its classical traditions, by taking the nature as its source of inspiration. The old capital of Lorraine then lived again an intense creative activity.
Gallé and the Daum brothers pushed very high the prestige of their glassware. It was the Art Nouveau, a rare instance when a provincial school has managed to eclipse the Parisian centralization.
The furniture maker Louis Majorelle ran his family workshop in Nancy. He had the good sense to follow the path opened by Gallé and manufactured with sensuality the finest pieces of furniture of this highly original style.
On March 29 in Paris, Christie's is selling a double bed with its two bedside cabinets. The elegant curves are enhanced by two large stalks of water lilies ("nénuphars") that cross the oblong headboard of the bed.
This suite executed in precious woods and bronzes around 1905 is undoubtedly one of the masterpieces of Majorelle. The lot is estimated € 1M.
POST SALE COMMENT
This lot is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. It was sold € 1.16 million including premium.
The Ecole de Nancy was able to free the French furniture of its classical traditions, by taking the nature as its source of inspiration. The old capital of Lorraine then lived again an intense creative activity.
Gallé and the Daum brothers pushed very high the prestige of their glassware. It was the Art Nouveau, a rare instance when a provincial school has managed to eclipse the Parisian centralization.
The furniture maker Louis Majorelle ran his family workshop in Nancy. He had the good sense to follow the path opened by Gallé and manufactured with sensuality the finest pieces of furniture of this highly original style.
On March 29 in Paris, Christie's is selling a double bed with its two bedside cabinets. The elegant curves are enhanced by two large stalks of water lilies ("nénuphars") that cross the oblong headboard of the bed.
This suite executed in precious woods and bronzes around 1905 is undoubtedly one of the masterpieces of Majorelle. The lot is estimated € 1M.
POST SALE COMMENT
This lot is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. It was sold € 1.16 million including premium.
1908 AN AMERICAN ARMCHAIR
2008 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
I introduce today an American armchair, beautiful in its simplicity and symmetry. It is distinguished by its clear geometry, its high back with apertures on the sides, and the quality of its joinery.
It was designed around 1908 by the architects and designers Greene and Greene, and only three copies were made by a craftsman from Pasadena. The two brothers Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene were the main promoters in California of the movement American Arts and Crafts, which I just discussed in the Architecture group about Adler and Sullivan.
Indeed when preparing this article on Sullivan, I was interested in that seat, lot 125 of Sotheby's sale on December 18 in New York, estimated 300 to 500 K $.
When estimates are so open, important added value may be expected. Such case recently happened on American furniture. Although it comes from another century, I wish to remind the result at $ 5.2 million charge included obtained on Sept. 26 by the same auction house on an American stool of Queen Anne style, made around 1750 in Philadelphia, which had been estimated 200 to 500 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
Greene and Greene made the most of their work in Pasadena, California. It was the era of the true start of this city, who grew in twenty years from 9,117 inhabitants (1900 census) to 45,354 inhabitants (1920 census).
It was probably too much to ask $ 300 K for a seat that was designed as far away from major centers of activities of the United States. Los Angeles had only 100 000 inhabitants in 1900.
The armchair has not been sold.
I introduce today an American armchair, beautiful in its simplicity and symmetry. It is distinguished by its clear geometry, its high back with apertures on the sides, and the quality of its joinery.
It was designed around 1908 by the architects and designers Greene and Greene, and only three copies were made by a craftsman from Pasadena. The two brothers Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene were the main promoters in California of the movement American Arts and Crafts, which I just discussed in the Architecture group about Adler and Sullivan.
Indeed when preparing this article on Sullivan, I was interested in that seat, lot 125 of Sotheby's sale on December 18 in New York, estimated 300 to 500 K $.
When estimates are so open, important added value may be expected. Such case recently happened on American furniture. Although it comes from another century, I wish to remind the result at $ 5.2 million charge included obtained on Sept. 26 by the same auction house on an American stool of Queen Anne style, made around 1750 in Philadelphia, which had been estimated 200 to 500 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
Greene and Greene made the most of their work in Pasadena, California. It was the era of the true start of this city, who grew in twenty years from 9,117 inhabitants (1900 census) to 45,354 inhabitants (1920 census).
It was probably too much to ask $ 300 K for a seat that was designed as far away from major centers of activities of the United States. Los Angeles had only 100 000 inhabitants in 1900.
The armchair has not been sold.