Armand Albert Rateau

Private Collection, France
Galerie Yves Gastou, Paris
Water Haas, Zurich
Private Collection
Christie's New York, December 7, 2005, lot 385
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Alastair Duncan, A. A. Rateau, New York, 1990, p. 42 (for a period photo showing a similar model in Rateau's gilding workshop in Neuilly-Levallois)
Franck Olivier-Vial and François Rateau, Armand Albert Rateau:  Un Baroque Chez les Modernes, Paris, 1992, p. 86 (for a period photo showing the chair in the Blumenthal residence, New York)

Overall in very good condition. The gilt and painted surfaces of the frame with nicks, scratches and scattered losses exposing gesso. Rubbing to areas of high relief, particularly to leaf edges, exposing gesso and bare wood in places. One chair with larger losses to the points of high relief at the corners. the other chair with a larger loss to the center of crest of backrest. Some seams visible due to minor separation. Both satin upholstered seats with staining and surface dirt, one with a large tear to front which has exposed the batting. One chair seat is faded and presents as a slightly different color.
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.

This model was originally designed and produced for Charles and Florence Blumenthal's New York residence.