Endeavoring to create exquisite work that would endure forever, designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann defined the grandeur of the French Art Deco movement of the 1920s. His luxurious storage cabinets, seating, other furniture and interiors garnered considerable popularity alongside the growth in post–World War I Paris’s population of newly wealthy residents.
The Paris-born Ruhlmann was the son of a decorating contractor, a business he took over in the early 1900s and expanded into furniture and interior design. But by the end of his career, he was best known for being a skilled ensemblier, a term for a designer who not only makes furniture and decorates spaces but rather personally crafts each and every piece required in the space, from doorknobs to sofas. This practice ensured that the space was harmonious and consistent with Ruhlmann’s vision, and it contributed to the lasting popularity of his designs.
Ruhlmann enjoyed the patronage of the newly affluent and was encouraged by the popularity of Art Deco. While the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements were early influences, he is renowned for the modernity of his Art Deco–era designs, which reflected the celebratory nature of the times, including an integration of opulent flourishes; luxurious materials like Macassar ebony, amboyna burl, ivory and precious metals; and skilled craftsmanship and construction techniques.
Renowned all over the world, Ruhlmann was commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to design a cabinet in 1925, embellishing its curved door with a sophisticated floral motif by way of an ornate marriage of wood and ivory veneer. Also in 1925, at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, arguably the exhibition that introduced Art Deco on an international level, his pavilion was the most popular.
By the time the economic depression of the 1930s materialized, Ruhlmann’s exorbitantly expensive designs were no longer viable. But the majesty and elegance of the ’20s remain an important part of design history, and Ruhlmann has been described as “perhaps its finest exponent.”
Find a collection of authentic Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann furniture on 1stDibs.
Ruhlmann Gilt Bronze Photograph Frame
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Gilt bronze rectangular photograph frame set on an elegant curved base, end-ing in a volute motif at the front. Stamped 'Ruhlmann'. Model No. 1710NRReference No for the model 1710NR ...
Bronze
Ruhlmann Macassar Ebony Photograph Frame
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Photograph frame in Macassar ebony veneer and glass from circa 1932. Which was designed for Mr. Lagier, creator of the eponymous brand and manufacturer of furniture radios and wirele...
Glass, Ebony, Macassar
Ruhlmann Macassar Ebony Veneer Photograph Frame
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Photograph frame in Macassar ebony veneer and glass, bearing the mark of Atelier A. Referenced under nos. 3915AR and 1709NR in the Ruhlmann archives, Musée des Années 30, Boulogne. ...
Glass, Ebony, Macassar
$3,450
H 15 in W 10 in D 0.65 in
Wonderful French Ormolu Purple Enamel Gilt Bronze Bow Picture Frame Miniature
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful and rare French ormolu bronze and purple enamel picture frame with a miniature on the top with bows and tassels. Frame: 10" W X 15" H Picture:7" W X 9&q...
Bronze, Enamel
Gilt Bronze Frame, Contemporary Work
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rectangular shape gilt bronze frame with a decor of small beads agglomerate. Contemporary work.
Bronze
A fine Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Photo frame
Located in London, GB
A superb Napoleon III gilt bronze and satin lined photo frame, with space for three photos. Superb gilt bronze mounts, of good size. With a strut foot, or hoops, allowing it to be pl...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Gilt-Bronze Picture Frame, circa 1900
By Tiffany Studios
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tiffany Studios gilt-bronze picture frame, circa 1900 Stamped Tiffany Studios/NEW YORK/1611. Measures: Height 11.87 in. (30.16 cm.), Width 9.75 in. (24.76 cm.).
Glass
$566
H 7.29 in W 4.53 in D 1.58 in
Antique Gilt Brass Gold Glass Photo Picture Photograph Frame Wall Decor
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Gilt Brass Gold Glass Photo Picture Photograph Frame Wall Decor Continental Brass, glass c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 18.5cm x 11.5cm (external) 16cm x 10cm (interna...
Brass
Claude Lalanne, a Rare Gilt-Bronze Dragonfly Frame, France, C. 1985
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019) A rare gilt-bronze dragonfly frame, France C. 1985, Signed on reverse Cl. Lalanne Artcurial 25/450. Measures: 4" high x 3...
Bronze
Picture Frame Holder pocket Sterling Silver Enamel 3 Photographs
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Pocket photos holder in sterling silver 925/1000 gold plated with two-tone translucent fired enamels on guillochè, with hand-engraved edges. Empire style Napoleon III. Octagonal hing...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Fine Antique Picture Frame in Gilt Bronze, Art Nouveau Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful Art Nouveau style picture frame suitable for a photograph or small picture measuring up to 5 1/4 inch high and 7 3/4 inch wide. This gilt bronze picture frame has a bea...
Cast Iron, Bronze
Framed Lady Photograph in Ormolu Picture Frame, France 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely stylish sentimental Photograph of a lady. Framed in a beautiful brass or ormolu frame, circa 1920s. Beautiful and highly decorative. You can use it also as a wall hanging picture frame...
Brass, Ormolu
Large French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Picture Frame
Located in Bradenton, FL
French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Picture Frame. Large ornate Neoclassical gilt bronze picture frame embellished with floral swags, ribbon-tied garlands, urn motifs, and foliate orname...
Bronze
$2,832
H 11.82 in W 10.24 in D 7.09 in
Gilt Bronze Mathias Signed Picture Frame for Fondica, circa 1990, France.
By Mathias Fondica
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and beautiful picture frame by Mathias for Fondica, circa 1990, France. Stamped Mathias on the back. Leaves decor gilt bronze, glass. Dimensions: 30 cm H, 26 cm W, 18 cm D. All ...
Bronze
19th-Century French Rococo Gilt Bronze Tabletop Frame
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This magnificent 19th-century French gilt bronze tabletop frame is an exceptional example of Rococo artistry, distinguished by its exuberant curves, openwork patterns, and finely scu...
Bronze