S otheby’s Important Design sale presents a curated survey of Design from the last century, ranging from notable examples of Art Deco to Post-War and Contemporary Design. The sale is anchored by masterworks of French Design from the 1920s through the 1960s from prestigious private collection, with pieces by Jean Besnard, Jean Dunand, Maurice Marinot, Jean-Michel Frank, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret, among others. The auction is followed by a historic selection of original, early productions of Poul Henningsen lighting from the collection of the Louis Poulsen company. Important works of post-war and contemporary design are also included by such artists and designers as Les Lalanne, George Nakashima and Maria Pergay.
Property will be on view in Sotheby’s New York galleries from December 7-11.
Featuring works across medium and period, this collection presents a timeless ode to the natural world and is united by the beauty of organic form. Highlights include two important works by Claude Lalanne, a Unique "Structure Végétale" Console and Unique "Hosta et Oiseau" Mirror, offered en suite. The present complementary works are exquisite examples of Lalanne’s masterful craftsmanship and offer the unique chance to own one-of-a-kind pieces from one of the most iconic and sought after designers of the present-day. The console puts mastery of material at the forefront of her refined design. One of its distinguishing features is the rare treatment of the textured casting on the top, suggestive of linen fabric, in addition to its sinuous curves and artistic composition. Similarly, the unique “Hosta et Oiseau” Mirror is an exemplary presentation of the artist’s vision, beautifully enhanced by the rare inclusion of a delicately sculpted bird on the bottom right corner.
The present collection of original, early productions of lamps and ceiling lights represents an exceptional offering of early and extremely rare lighting pieces by the Danish designer. From the “PH Academy” and “PH Spiral” to the “House of the Day After Tomorrow” variation on the “Artichoke” chandelier, the lamps that comprise the following selection illustrate, each in their own way, the various principles and techniques pioneered by Poul Henningsen and Louis Poulsen between 1926 and 1968. The original manufacturer of these objects, Louis Poulsen, is also their current custodian. As part of a commitment to their 150-year-old heritage, the Danish company has helped preserve and care for this group of important lamps over the past three decades.
