Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

Dr. Ten Doesschate, Utrecht
Barry Friedman, Ltd., New York
Christie's New York, June 13, 2003, lot 373
Michael and Gabrielle Boyd, Santa Monica, CA

Daniele Baroni, The Furniture of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, Woodbury, NY, 1977, p. 65
Peter Vöge, The Complete Rietveld Furniture, Rotterdam, 1993, p. 61
Luca Dosi Delfini, The Furniture Collection, Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, 2004, p. 298

Overall in very good condition. The dark brown-black stained wood dowels with three blue-stained terminals at each corner of seat and two unpainted terminals at backrest. The leather seat and backrest in good original condition. There is evidence of approximately six areas of restoration to the seat, where prior tears have been glued and patched to reinforce the leather. These restorations were sensitively undertaken by a professional conservator. The surface of both the seat and backrest with some discoloration, dryness to the leather, crazing and scratches throughout. The leather has acquired a beautiful patina and remains in good condition given the age and apparent use. The leather seat is no longer taut and appears slightly stretched from use, it has now conformed to the shape of the dowels that comprise the seat support. The wooden frame with minor rubbing to the surface treatment, nicks, dings and scratches concentrated to the lower portion of the feet consistent with use. Possible areas of overpainting, specifically to the dowels comprising the proper right and proper left portions of the seat. The overpainting is isolated over the dowel joints and has been sensitively undertaken but remains slightly duller. The overall seat frame exhibits some slight looseness and light warping consistent with age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.