JEAN DUNAND AND EMILE-JACQUES RUHLMANN | Set of three double-doors and two columns, circa 1930

gilded wood and stucco and patinated bronze

Private collection

This set was originally installed in the entrance hall of an appartment and have later been used as a wall paneling. The pair of doors with the circular bronze handle were the reverse of the entrance door. Their reverse are in wood. Two other doors have a red lacquered reverse and the two last doors have white painted reverse. Four gold-painted molding elements have been added at a later date (to ensure the presentation as a wall paneling) and can be removed. //// The surface presents with scratches, small dents, craquelures and soiling throughout. The gilding presents with traces of previous restorations, including around the handles. The edges of the doors with some dents and some lacks of wood (concentrated along the areas where the previous hinges were). The red lacquer with instance of drying up, some scratches and some traces of white paint. The entrance doors are slightly warped. The bronze elements with some oxidation traces and scratches, consistent with age and use. The columns present with significant chips along the upper rim (revealing the white plaster underneath) and sevral small dents and chips along the edges of the columns. One of the colums presents with a hole of approximately 10 x 20 cm approximately 30 cm above the base. The same columns presents with a circular restoration of approximately 7 cm of diameter. The colums stand on wooden bases that are later additions. The columns would benefit from the care of a professional restorer.
"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."

Initially installed in the entrance of an apartment located at 115 avenue Henri Martin, Paris, these doors were rehabilitated for a mansion in 1979. Two of these double-doors are double-sided : one double-door lacquered in red on the reverse, the other double-door painted in white. The third double door with the round patinated bronze plate only has one side.