Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Private European Collection
Sotheby's London, September 9, 2003, lot 269
Private Collection
Christie's Paris, May 16, 2007, lot 228
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Ruhlmann, Galerie Thierry Couvrat-Desvergnes, Paris, June 11-September 15, 1985

Gaston Rémon, "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs. Le Meuble," L'Art Vivant, September 1925, p. 24 (for a view of the Living Room of "Le Pavillon du Collectionneur," decorated and furnished by Ruhlmann for the exhibition)
Maurice Dufresne, Ensemble mobilier, Exposition internationale 1925, 1ère série, Paris, 1926, plate 26 (for another view of the same Living Room)
Maurice Dufresne, Ensemble mobilier, Exposition internationale 1925, 2ème série, Paris, 1926, plate 1 (for another view of the same Living Room)
Martin Battersby, The Decorative Twenties, New York, 1969, p. 33 (for another view of the same Living Room)
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann:  Master of Art Deco, New York, 1983, pp. 78, 92 (for the same view)
Ruhlmann, un Génie de l'Art Déco, exh. cat., Musée des Années 30, Boulogne Billancourt, Paris, 2002, p. 55 and 196-197 (for the chairs)
Charlotte Benton, Tim Benton and Ghislaine Wood, eds., Art Deco 1910-1939, London, 2003, p. 151 (for the bench)
Emmanuel Bréon and Rosalind Pepall, eds., Ruhlmann:  Genius of Art Deco, Montreal, 2004, p. 200 (for a view of the living room)
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, pp. 175, 189, 207, 215, 310 and 450 (for another view of the living room)

Overall in very good condition. As seen in the catalogue illustration the background coloration of the original tapestry is slightly varied between the chairs in this offering. One chair with a slightly more subdued background color palette. Each the upholstered seats of the chairs are slightly more saturated in hue when viewed first hand in comparison to the catalogue illustration. The upholstery is in very good condition. The sides of the upholstered cushions and piping appear to have been replaced with a fabric in keeping with the coloration of the original top of the cushion. has been later replaced. The upholstery with minor surface dirt and traces of wear concentrated to the upper portion of the reverse of the backrest, likely from handling. The wooden frames with a richly figured wood selection that appears to have a sensitively applied later finish. The wooden elements with minor surface scratches, minor edge abrasions and a few minor discolorations. There are a few areas of sensitive restoration to the one chair that stabilize a few minor losses, the largest to the proper right side and an age crack to the proper left, measuring 2 ½ inches in length. The other chair with one small sensitive restoration to stabilize a seam along the stretcher at the base of the backrest to the reverse. The silvered bronze elements with minor tarnish, discoloration, and edge abrasions consistent with gentle use and the natural aging process of the material. Two refined chairs with elegant shape and rare to appear on the market with original upholstery is such good condition. ---
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.