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Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

French, 1895-1941

For French interior and furniture designer Jean-Michel Frank (1895–1941), history always had a great allure. He once wrote, “The noble frames that came to us from the past can receive today’s creations.” His career celebrated heritage while promoting new modes of 20th-century design, and it flourished between the World Wars when Frank designed interiors that tastefully mixed extravagance with sophisticated simplicity, often featuring pieces he made with his business partner, cabinetmaker Adolphe Chanaux.

It took personal tragedy for Frank to realize his calling. Frank had been exempted from the World War I draft due to his physical frailty but his brothers both served and died on the front. When his German father applied for French naturalization, he was rejected and placed under house arrest, killing himself shortly after. His mother went into a deep depression and began undergoing psychiatric treatment and died a few years later.

With his large inheritance, Frank joined the Paris culture crowd and there got his start in the burgeoning field of interior design. His signature style, which became known as “luxe pauvre” — “impoverished luxury” — was characterized by clean lines, mixed materials and hard-to-miss details. His interiors for clients including Nelson Rockefeller and Elsa Schiaparelli featured artwork by modern creators like Diego and Alberto Giacometti, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Favoring the color white, he would consider each element of his spartan rooms as part of the whole, from bronze doors to plush antique furnishings, always tastefully rich yet never decadent. He worked on furniture with Chanaux that reinforced this austere style. Some of his most well-known furniture pieces, including the Croisillon table lamps, the Parsons table, brass tripod gueridons and the leather Comfortable chairs that used the Hermès saddle stitch, are extremely simple in their elegant appearance. This attention to refined details, simple luxury and the cohesion of design in a room made him one of the leading tastemakers of 1930s Paris.

After fleeing the Nazi occupation of France (he was part of a Jewish family that included his distant cousin, the diarist Anne Frank), Frank arrived in New York where he killed himself at the age of 46. His commitment to creating home interiors where comfort and fine art could merge and styles could mix in harmony remains influential in design.

Browse Jean-Michel Frank furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Jean-Michel Frank
Comté Croisillon Table Lights After Jean-Michel Frank Late Art Deco, 1940
Comté Croisillon Table Lights After Jean-Michel Frank Late Art Deco, 1940

Comté Croisillon Table Lights After Jean-Michel Frank Late Art Deco, 1940

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in Vienna, AT

Comté Croisillon lights designed by Jean Michel Frank, produced by Comté Argentina, circa 1940 Elegant yet rough painted iron desk lamps in good condition with original cables switc...

Category

1940s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Brass, Iron

Green Quartz Table Lamp by Jean-Michel Frank, Art Deco, Circa 1925
Green Quartz Table Lamp by Jean-Michel Frank, Art Deco, Circa 1925

Green Quartz Table Lamp by Jean-Michel Frank, Art Deco, Circa 1925

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Jean-Michel Frank was a virtuoso. He used raw elements, (mica, parchment, shagreen or quartz), and put their natural qualities to the service of his art. He was known to use touches ...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Quartz

Jean-Michel Frank 1940s pair iron tripod table lamps for Bustillo
Jean-Michel Frank 1940s pair iron tripod table lamps for Bustillo

Jean-Michel Frank 1940s pair iron tripod table lamps for Bustillo

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in London, GB

Rare pair of tripod lamps made for Alejandro Bustillo, the architect whom Jean-Michel Frank worked with to produce furniture for the famous Llao Llao Hotel in Patagonia, Argentina du...

Category

1930s Argentine Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Iron

Related Items
Pair of Bronze Tripod Lamps in the Style of Jean Michel Frank
Pair of Bronze Tripod Lamps in the Style of Jean Michel Frank

Pair of Bronze Tripod Lamps in the Style of Jean Michel Frank

$4,882 / set

H 16.15 in W 9.85 in D 12.6 in

Pair of Bronze Tripod Lamps in the Style of Jean Michel Frank

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England, modern A pair of bronze column lamps with an asymmetrical tripod base, after a design by Jean Michel Frank. Lead time: 4-6 weeks. Please enquire for stock availability. H...

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21st Century and Contemporary English Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Pair of Plaster Lamps in the Taste of Jean-Michel Frank
Pair of Plaster Lamps in the Taste of Jean-Michel Frank

Pair of Plaster Lamps in the Taste of Jean-Michel Frank

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in Paris, Ile-de-France

Pair of stuccoed plaster lamps Custom made shades Inspired by Jean-Michel Frank France, modern production Model : " Topkapi" Wired for European Measures: Total Height : 84 cm / 3...

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2010s French Mid-Century Modern Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Pair of French Hand-Hammered Brass & Matte Metal Table Lamps, Jean-Michel Frank
Pair of French Hand-Hammered Brass & Matte Metal Table Lamps, Jean-Michel Frank

Pair of French Hand-Hammered Brass & Matte Metal Table Lamps, Jean-Michel Frank

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in New York, NY

Elegant pair of French Midcentury Modern hand-hammered solid brass table lamps in the spirit of Jean-Michel Frank in a round / circular / globe form transmitting a sober, modern spir...

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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Jean-Michel Frank style unpolished glass lamp
Jean-Michel Frank style unpolished glass lamp

Jean-Michel Frank style unpolished glass lamp

$921

H 9.45 in W 8.27 in D 9.06 in

Jean-Michel Frank style unpolished glass lamp

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in London, GB

A large blue unpolished glass lamp base after a design by JM Frank. Contemporary. Rewired and Pat tested. Shade included. Height to top of shade 41cm.

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21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Pair French Forged Iron 'Star' Floor Lamps after Giacometti, Jean Michel Frank
Pair French Forged Iron 'Star' Floor Lamps after Giacometti, Jean Michel Frank

Pair French Forged Iron 'Star' Floor Lamps after Giacometti, Jean Michel Frank

By Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Jean-Michel Frank

Located in New York, NY

A timeless pair of French forged iron floor lamps with dark patina decorated with the form of a star, after Alberto & Diego Giacometti for J...

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Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Wrought Iron

Vintage Table Lamp After Diego Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank, 1970s
Vintage Table Lamp After Diego Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank, 1970s

Vintage Table Lamp After Diego Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank, 1970s

By (after) Jean Michel Frank

Located in Pasadena, CA

After a master piece collab by Diego Giacometti and Jean Michel frank. This is an iconic lamp sure to fit any interior. This item was purchased from the Johnny Carson estate.

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Mid-20th Century French Other Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Metal

Pair of Jean-Michel Frank Design Iron 'Croisillon' Lamps by Comte, Argentina
Pair of Jean-Michel Frank Design Iron 'Croisillon' Lamps by Comte, Argentina

Pair of Jean-Michel Frank Design Iron 'Croisillon' Lamps by Comte, Argentina

By Comte S.A., Jean-Michel Frank

Located in North Miami, FL

Pair of Jean-Michel Frank design iron 'Croisillon' design table lamps by argentine Company Comte By: Jean-Michel Frank, Comte S.A. Material: iron, metal, cord Technique: cast, molde...

Category

1930s Argentine Art Deco Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Metal, Iron

Pair French Modern Neoclassic Black Opaline Glass Table Lamps, Jean Michel Frank
Pair French Modern Neoclassic Black Opaline Glass Table Lamps, Jean Michel Frank

Pair French Modern Neoclassic Black Opaline Glass Table Lamps, Jean Michel Frank

Located in New York, NY

An Elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Black Opaline glass table lamps in the Modern Classical style of Jean Michel Frank. The pieces are in a classic amphora form...

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1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Art Deco Lamp with Fluted Base, France, circa 1925
Art Deco Lamp with Fluted Base, France, circa 1925

Art Deco Lamp with Fluted Base, France, circa 1925

$480Sale Price|20% Off

H 20.87 in Dm 9.85 in

Art Deco Lamp with Fluted Base, France, circa 1925

By Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Beautiful lamp with its fringed lampshade and sculpted fluted beech base. Art Deco, France, circa 1925. In the style of the productions of Paul Follot, Maurice Dufrène. In good con...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Wood, Beech

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Plaster Table Lamps After Jean Michel Frank
Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Plaster Table Lamps After Jean Michel Frank

Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Plaster Table Lamps After Jean Michel Frank

By Jean Michel Espinasse

Located in New York, NY

Elegant and timeless pair of French plaster Modern neoclassical table lamps in the style of Jean-Michel Frank. These lamps are in a classic baluster for...

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Late 20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Terracotta, Plaster

French Plaster Table Lamps Pair from a Model by Giacometti and Jean-Michel Frank
French Plaster Table Lamps Pair from a Model by Giacometti and Jean-Michel Frank

French Plaster Table Lamps Pair from a Model by Giacometti and Jean-Michel Frank

By Jean-Michel Frank, Alberto Giacometti

Located in New York, NY

Pair of French Mid-Century Modern style white plaster table lamps from a model by Alberto Giacometti & Jean-Michel Frank. These lamps are based on a 1935 model by Alberto Giacometti ...

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Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Plaster

Previously Available Items
Pair of Original Jean-Michel Frank “Croisillon” Bronze Table Lamps, circa 1935
Pair of Original Jean-Michel Frank “Croisillon” Bronze Table Lamps, circa 1935

Pair of Original Jean-Michel Frank “Croisillon” Bronze Table Lamps, circa 1935

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in London, GB

An important pair of original bronze "Croisillon" lamps from the private collection of Dulce Martinez de Hop; a famous client of Jean-Michel Frank and star of the social scene in Paris during the 1920's and 30's. She constantly featured in glossy magazines as "Madame Martinez...

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1930s French Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Bronze

Pair of 1940 Iron Tripod Table Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank
Pair of 1940 Iron Tripod Table Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank

Pair of 1940 Iron Tripod Table Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in London, GB

These exceptional table lamps demonstrate Jean-Michel Franks mastery of perfectly balanced minimalist lines, with their tapered legs, exquisite texture and precise detailing. Execute...

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1940s Argentine Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pair of 1940s Painted Iron Tripod Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank
Pair of 1940s Painted Iron Tripod Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank

Pair of 1940s Painted Iron Tripod Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in London, GB

These exceptional table lamps demonstrate the designer's mastery of perfectly balanced minimalist lines, with their tapered legs, exquisite texture and precise detailing. Executed by...

Category

1940s French Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pair of 1940s Painted Iron Tripod Table Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank
Pair of 1940s Painted Iron Tripod Table Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank

Pair of 1940s Painted Iron Tripod Table Lamps by Jean-Michel Frank

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in London, GB

These exceptional table lamps demonstrate the designer's mastery of perfectly balanced minimalist lines, with their tapered legs, exquisite texture and precise detailing. Executed by...

Category

1940s French Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Iron

Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France
Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France

Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur

Style Jean-Michel Frank, Pair of lamps, Plaster and wicker, circa 1950, France. Measures: Height 46 cm, diameter 19 cm.

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

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Wicker, Plaster

Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France
Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France

Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur

Style Jean-Michel Frank, Pair of lamps, Plaster and wicker, circa 1950, France. Measures: Height 46 cm, diameter 19 cm.

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Wicker, Plaster

Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France
Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France

Style Jean-Michel Frank Pair of Lamps, Plaster and Wicker, circa 1950, France

By Jean-Michel Frank

Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur

Style Jean-Michel Frank, Pair of lamps, Plaster and wicker, circa 1950, France. Measures: Height 46 cm, diameter 19 cm.

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Wicker, Plaster

Pair of Lamps after Alberto and Diego Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank
Pair of Lamps after Alberto and Diego Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank

Pair of Lamps after Alberto and Diego Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank

By Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Jean-Michel Frank

Located in Pasadena, CA

The playful, structural design of this pair of table lamp safter a design of Alberto and Diego Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank. The bases...

Category

1960s French Vintage Jean-Michel Frank Lighting

Materials

Metal

Jean-michel Frank lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Jean-Michel Frank lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Louis Majorelle, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and Edgar Brandt. Prices for Jean-Michel Frank lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $72,620 and can go as high as $77,081, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $74,851.
Questions About Jean-Michel Frank Lighting
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