Victor Horta

sycamore, cane

Private collection, Brussels
Dorotheum, Vienna, 26 November, 2013, lot 666
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Leo Natch, Turin 1902, exh. cat., Berlin, 1902, pl. 42 for a period illustration of relatable models in situ at the Prima Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte Decorativa Moderna, Turin, 1902
Yvonne Brunhammer, ed., Art Nouveau: Belgium/France, exh. cat., Houston, 26 March - 27 June, 1976, Chicago, 28 August - 31 October, 1976, Houston, 1976, p. 251, cat. no. 391 for a relatable example
Jean-Paul Bouillon, Journal de l'Art Nouveau 1870 -1914, Geneva, 1985, p. 83 for a period illustration of Horta seated in a comparable armchair
Marina Beretta, ed., Treasures of Art Nouveau, Milan, 1999, pp. 37, 53, 216, 219, 242 for comparable chairs from the collection of Anne-Marie Gillion-Crowet
Françoise Aubry, Horta: ou la Passion de l'architecture, Gent, 2005, p. 13 for a relatable example, p. 120
Werner Adriaenssens et al, Roberto Polo: The Eye, London, 2011, p. 330, illustrated
Françoise Aubry, Horta: Habitations Majeures à Bruxelles, Gent, 2013, p. 113 for a relatable example
Victor Horta: Hôtel Aubecq, exh. cat., 1 July - 9 October 2011, Brussels, 2011, pp. 98, 106 for a period illustration of relatable examples in situ at the Prima Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte Decorativa Moderna, Turin, 1902

Overall very good condition consistent with age and gentle use. Minor scattered surface scuffs, mostly concentrated to the feet. A hairline to the backrest, lower right hand proper, which radiates around the circumference of the joint and has been professionally and sensitively stabilised. The seat caning is slightly concave with some separation to the weave running horizontally across the front of the seat. Three minor scratches to the rear centre of the backrest, each approximately 2cm. A fine hairline to the backrest, upper left hand proper, approximately 3 cm and appears stable. Minor joint separations which do not affect the structural integrity of the chair. A beautiful chair with excellent provenance.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This model was commissioned by the industrialist Octave Aubecq for the Hôtel Aubecq, Brussels.