French architect, sculptor and designer André Arbus was destined to become one of the 20th century’s finest furniture makers. According to him, the craft was in his blood. “I come from an old family of cabinetmakers,” he once said. “From father to son for a very long time. In other words, I was born in a cabinet-making workshop.”
Born in Toulouse in 1903, Arbus spent his childhood working in his father’s business which sold reproductions of 18th century French furniture. He later studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse under sculptor Henry Parayre.
After graduating, Arbus returned to work with his father as the business’s artistic director. When his father retired, Arbus transformed the company from selling furniture reproductions to one that produced his own formidable designs, including cocktail tables, sofa tables and floor lamps that merged neoclassicism with Art Deco and featured alluring modernist characteristics.
In 1925, Arbus exhibited at several shows, including the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, Exposition des Arts Décoratifs, Salon d’Automne, the Gallery L’Epoque and won a medal at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, which brought the Art Deco style to the global stage.
Arbus moved to Paris in 1932, won the prestigious Premier Prix Blumenthal in 1934 and opened his own gallery in 1935. His sconces, chandeliers and dining room tables attracted a steady clientele of some of Paris’s wealthiest. Arbus exhibited at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York and, throughout the 1940s, received numerous notable commissions. The French government gave many of his pieces as gifts to visiting foreign heads of state. He furnished several luxury ocean liners, collaborated with Maison Veronese on a line of lighting fixtures and was tasked to build a jewel cabinet for Princess Elizabeth.
In 1946, Arbus participated in the refurbishment of the Élysée Palace and the Château de Rambouillet with fellow French architects and designers Louis Süe and Jean-Charles Moreux.
Arbus focused on sculpture throughout the 1950s until he died in 1969, drawing inspiration from eminent sculptors such as Vadim Androusov and Sylva Bernt. Today, Arbus’s works can be found in museums around the world.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage André Arbus lighting, tables and seating.
French Art Deco Secretary Cabinet by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Andre Arbus Sloping mahogany secreter with two drawers and a drop-leaf door. Sycamore maple interior with six small drawers and a central niche lined with parchment; gilt bronze knob...
Brass
French Mid-Century Lacquered Armoire by André Arbus, Circa 1940s
By Gilbert Poillerat, André Arbus
Located in Queens, NY
French mid-century light brown lacquered Atelier Sain et Tambuté, Paris two-door armoire cabinet with bronze rope trim and door lock plate on gilt cylindrical feet with a Siena marbl...
Marble, Bronze
André Arbus pair of celadon green lacquered wardrobes gilt brass 1930
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, IDF
This unique pair of André Arbus wardrobes is sure to add an element of French neoclassicism chic to any room. It was designed by André Arbus in the late 1930s. Made out of solid oak wood, each wardrobe is decorated with André Arbus celadon green lacquer signature. The orientalist mirror frame is covered with gold leaf. The large bronze rope handle is also gilt, as well as the frieze. All the details are a wonderful example of the French neoclassicism of André Arbus. Each wardrobe features inside three oak wood shelves, with one drawer. The large central and side mirrors make these wardrobes suitable as bedroom or dressing armoires...
Brass
Parchment & Lacquer Commode Designed by Andre Arbus, circa 1935
By André Arbus
Located in Stamford, CT
An elegant chest of drawers in parchment, ivory (now replaced with faux ivory) and gold lacquer 1935 Similar model presented at the salon of decorative artists 1935 Examples of th...
Parchment Paper
André Arbus Gilded Wood Chest of Drawers
By André Arbus
Located in Berlin, DE
An important chest of drawers by André Arbus, crafted in gilded wood with a refined bronze patina. The piece opens with two lateral compartments, each fitted with its original bronze...
Bronze
French Art Deco Cabinet in Amboyna by Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Art Deco Cabinet by André Arbus An exceptional quality cabinet produced by André Arbus in in France in the early 1930’s, it has two bevelled glass doors at the top and blind locka...
Oak, Amboyna
André Arbus Dressing Table in Gilded Wood
By André Arbus
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare dressing table by André Arbus, crafted in gilded wood with a refined bronze patina, standing on elegant carved feet. The piece opens at the center to reveal a rising mirror. T...
Mirror, Giltwood
Fine French 1950s Mahogany Armoire by Andre Arbus and Vadim Androusov
By André Arbus, Vadim Androusov
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Mid-Century Mahogany two door armoire by Andre Arbus (1903-1969) adorned with bronze decorations by Vadim Androusov (1895-1975); Diane Chasseresse and Apollon on doors,...
Bronze
"Pantalionnière" Chest of Drawers, André Arbus (1903-1969)
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, FR
André Arbus (1903–1969), French cabinetmaker and decorator, is renowned for his refined neoclassical style that blends elegance and tradition. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and...
Oak, Bone
French Art Deco Mahogany Secretary Cabinet by André Arbus and Vadim Androusssov
By André Arbus
Located in Montreal, QC
Frenh Art Deco period mahogany cabinet secretary by André Arbus and Vadim Androussov decorated with a bronze patinated bronze cartouche of a female figure. France: circa 1940 Provena...
Mahogany
"André Arbus (1903-1969) Elegante armoire art deco en sycomore circa 1935"
By André Arbus
Located in Mouscron, WHT
André Arbus (1903-1969) Elegant art deco wardrobe in sycamore veneer 1935 beautiful interior beautiful handles 2 bedside tables and a bed are also available the purchase invoice f...
Sycamore
André Arbus, Les Quatre Continents, Armoire w/ Painted Panels, France, 1948
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Two-door armoire decorated with four neoclassical paintings by Jean-Paul Delhumeau (France, 1922-2003) representing four continents—Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe. Maker's m...
Oak
Modern Large Blue Lacquered Sideboard, Customizable
Located in Greenwich, CT
Lacquered in high gloss powder blue, this modern sideboard features cabinets, a drawer and a cubby / shelf. The sides of the piece angle inward. The overall footprint is shaped like ...
Lacquer, Poplar, Maple
Vintage Art Deco Burr Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An elegant 1930s Art Deco wardrobe in beautifully figured walnut, with carved floral detailing, original handles and cabriole-style feet. Internally fitted with a hanging rail and sh...
Wood, Walnut
$7,800
H 74.41 in W 51.97 in D 23.63 in
Charles Dudouyt - After - Carved Armoire in Bleached Oak, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Carved Armoire in Bleached Oak, France, 1940s - After Charles Dudouyt A sculptural heirloom echoing the geometry of French provincial ritual forms Monumental yet delicately resolved...
Oak
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 84.5 in D 20.25 in
Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza with Faux Parchment Fronts
Located in North York, ON
Modern black Lacquered sideboard credenza with Faux Parchment fronts. Featuring unique shaped design with ample storage options. Completed with a beautiful black lacquered finish and...
Wood
Art Deco Wardrobe, Brass Frame, Mirror, French Design, 1930
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Art Deco Wardrobe The wardrobe presented here comes from France and dates to 1930. This elegant piece of furniture combines the characteristic features of Art Deco. This style was p...
Brass
Armoire, Bleached Oak, France, circa 1940
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Armoire, Bleached Oak, France, circa 1940 Echoing the Sculptural Language of French Provincial Modernism Sculptural in stance and restrained in detail, this tall French cabinet fro...
Oak
Vintage Art Deco Oak Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A 1930s Art Deco wardrobe in figured oak with a serpentine front. The doors feature a bold tiger oak veneer with a strong flowing grain, finished with a carved detail across the top....
Wood, Oak
André Sornay (1902–2000) Pair of chests of drawers
By Andre Sornay
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
André Sornay (1902–2000) Pair of chests of drawers Beechwood and laminate 3 drawers Dimensions: W 104 × D 54 × H 75 cm Date: circa 1965 A beautiful pair of chests of drawers attribu...
Wood
On Hold|$6,429
H 74.81 in W 51.97 in D 22.05 in L 74.81 in
Provincial Oak Armoire with Raised Panel Doors, France, 1940s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French provincial workshop, two-door armoire with pyramid stud panels, solid oak, France, 1940s. Solid oak in a warm medium tone. Two full-height hinged doors, each organised as a g...
Oak
$9,400
H 43.75 in W 31.25 in D 15.75 in
Swedish Art Deco Secretary by Axel Larsson, Birchwood, Circa 1920-1930
By Axel Larsson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Swedish Art Deco secretary made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Birchwood, designed most likely by Axel Larsson in good condition. The Scandinavian cupboard, cabi...
Metal, Brass
Hand Carved Oak Armoire by Charles Dudouyt, French Art Deco, 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A hand carved solid oak armoire by French designer Charles Dudouyt, produced in France in the 1940s. Dudouyt (1885-1946) began his career as an illustrator before returning from Worl...
Wood
Antique French Art Deco Mahogany Wardrobe Armoire Cabinet, 1940s
Located in Detroit, MI
This antique French Art Deco wardrobe armoire was made in France circa 1940. Beautifully handcrafted with mahogany veneer over a solid wood frame, the cabinet features clean geometri...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 24.81 in W 18.51 in D 13.78 in
André ARBUS (1903-1969) pair of art deco bedside tables in sycamore, 1935
By André Arbus
Located in Mouscron, WHT
André ARBUS (1903-1969) pair of art deco bedside tables in sycamore, 1935 1 wardrobe and a bed are also available the purchase invoice from 1935 is attached to the photos
Sycamore
Sold
H 26.58 in W 55.12 in D 16.54 in
André ARBUS (1903-1969), chest of drawers known as “Pantalonnière”
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, FR
André Arbus (1903-1969), a French cabinetmaker and decorator, is recognized for his refined neoclassical style that blends elegance and tradition. Trained at the Beaux-Arts and roote...
Wood, Parchment Paper
Small sideboard or cabinet by André Arbus- France 1940
By André Arbus
Located in Girona, Girona
Small sideboard or cabinet in solid wood (oak and cherry) and cherry veneer, fine mahogany rods on the doors, polished bronze “doves” medallion on the central door, polished brass ha...
Brass, Bronze
circa 1950s Sycamore Sideboard in the Style of Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in London, GB
Lovel Sycamore Sideboard by French Artist Andre Arbus Lovely Shaped Sycamore Structure Amazing Attention To Detail Top has been Repolished and Sideboard is now in lovely Condition...
Sycamore
French Art Deco Mahogany Desk by André Arbus and Vadim Androussov
By André Arbus
Located in Montreal, QC
Art Deco Mahogany desk by André Arbus and Vadim Androussov decorated with a patinated bronze cartouche representing a female face France: circa 1940 Provenance: this secretary was pa...
Mahogany
Very Rare Parchment Covered Cabinet by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Montreal, QC
This cabinet was commissioned for the Minister de L’Agriculture of France in 1936 by fellow ministers Léon Blum Vincent Auriol and others at the occasion of the birth of his child. T...
Parchment Paper
Sold
H 32.38 in W 31.5 in D 17 in
French Modern Neoclassical Cherry Inlay Sideboard/ Console/ Bar by Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French modern neoclassical inlaid cherrywood sideboard / buffet / console / bar / cabinet by Andre Arbus with solid brass details. The piece resembles a work of architect...
Brass
French Maison Arbus Oak and shagreen panelled Sideboard
By André Arbus
Located in Sherborne, GB
A stunning oak sideboard with diamond patterned parquetry on its central door. Inside is a shelf and two small drawers, and double doors clad with shagreen panels...
Shagreen, Oak
Sideboard by André Arbus for the 'Provence' Boat, France, 1951
By André Arbus
Located in Brussels, BE
Sideboard by André Arbus for the 'Provence' boat - France, 1951.
Wood
Sideboard by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Paris, FR
This timeless and sophisticated chest was created by celebrated 20th century sculpter and architect André Arbus. A master of simple elegance, Arbus worked most with natural materials...
Wood
André Arbus Console Sideboard, 1940
By André Arbus
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Rare console sideboard, 1940 Awarded to André Arbus Solid light oak The top, doors and drawers are covered with original stingray. Both doors have a square medallion in carved oa...
Burl Wood Console from the Andre Arbus Collection by William Switzer
By William Switzer, André Arbus
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Burl wood (Pommele Sapele) console from the Andre Arbus Collection by William Switzer, licensed re-edition of the original masterwork. The break...
Metal