Pierre Chareau

with back cushion (not illustrated)

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dreyfus
DeLorenzo, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2000

Yvanhoé Rambosson, "Le Salon des décorateurs," L'Amour de l'Art, June 1924, p. 193
E. Fleg, "Nos décorateurs, Pierre Chareau," Les Arts de la Maison, summer 1924, pl. XXVIII
Gaston Rémon, "Les Créations de Pierre Chareau," Mobilier et Décoration, January 1927, pp. 97-106
René Chavance, "Quelques exemples d'installations modernes, rue Mallet-Stevens," Mobilier et Décoration, April 1928, p. 69
Marc Vellay and Kenneth Frampton, Pierre Chareau: Architecte-Meublier 1883-1950, Paris, 1984, p. 310

Overall in good condition. Please note that this lot is rosewood. This highly sculptural and elegant form presents beautifully in person. The wooden surfaces have been sensitively refinished and present with some shallow surface scratches, some minor abrasions, minor discoloration and light surface dirt consistent with age and gentle use: A few minor abrasions concentrated in the lower front edge of the sofa, visible in the catalogue illustration. A stabilized hairline age crack running from the bottom edge of the front apron which is visible in the catalogue illustration and does not distract, consistent with the natural edging of the material. The proper left side of the sofa with a few areas of sensitively undertaken restoration, only visible upon close inspection. The metal feet with minor surface scratches, minor oxidation and minor expected dents consistent with use, the largest one to the proper right front foot and visible in the catalogue illustration. The sofa has been reupholstered and the upholstery presents in good condition showing only very gentle use. There are two back cushions which were not shown in the catalogue illustration but will be sold with this lot. A sculptural sofa with great scale and strong presence. ---
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.

In 1925, critic Louis Charles Watelin wrote: “Pierre Chareau is always looking for a volume that will correspond to a new sensibility. He is a bold character and a leader." Chareau's designs reveal his distinct conception of objects, emboldened by his architectural skills and his passion for the revolutionary artworks of his contemporaries. He collected works by Picasso, Gris and Mondrian, whose vision of space had a profound influence on Chareau's own approach. His designs elegantly balance curves and cut sections, which are highlighted in the present lot by the combination of rich wood and metal.