Engineer and metalsmith, self-taught designer and architect, manufacturer and teacher, Jean Prouvé was a key force in the evolution of 20th-century French design, introducing a style that combined economy of means and stylistic chic. Along with his frequent client and collaborator Le Corbusier and others, Prouvé, using his practical skills and his understanding of industrial materials, steered French modernism onto a path that fostered principled, democratic approaches to architecture and design.
Prouvé was born in Nancy, a city with a deep association with the decorative arts. (It is home, for example, to the famed Daum crystal manufactory.) His father, Victor Prouvé, was a ceramist and a friend and co-worker of such stars of the Art Nouveau era as glass artist Émile Gallé and furniture maker Louis Majorelle. Jean Prouvé apprenticed to a blacksmith, studied engineering, and produced ironwork for such greats of French modernism as the architect Robert Mallet-Stevens. In 1931, he opened the firm Atelier Prouvé. There, he perfected techniques in folded metal that resulted in his Standard chair (1934) and other designs aimed at institutions such as schools and hospitals.
During World War II, Prouvé was a member of the French Resistance, and his first postwar efforts were devoted to designing metal pre-fab housing for those left homeless by the conflict. In the 1950s, Prouvé would unite with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret (Le Corbusier’s cousin) on numerous design projects. In 1952, he and Perriand and artist Sonia Delaunay created pieces for the Cité Internationale Universitaire foundation in Paris, which included the colorful, segmented bookshelves that are likely Prouvé’s and Perriand’s best-known designs. The pair also collaborated on 1954’s Antony line of furniture, which again, like the works on 1stDibs, demonstrated a facility for combining material strength with lightness of form.
Prouvé spent his latter decades mostly as a teacher. His work has recently won new appreciation: in 2008 the hotelier Andre Balazs purchased at auction (hammer price: just under $5 million) the Maison Tropicale, a 1951 architectural prototype house that could be shipped flat-packed, and was meant for use by Air France employees in the Congo. Other current Prouvé collectors include Brad Pitt, Larry Gagosian, Martha Stewart and the fashion designer Marc Jacobs.
The rediscovery of Jean Prouvé — given not only the aesthetic and practical power of his designs but also the social conscience his work represents — marks one of the signal “good” aspects of collecting vintage 20th-century design. An appreciation of Prouvé is an appreciation of human decency.
Find antique Jean Prouvé chairs, tables, chaise longues and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This S.C.A.L. daybed designed by the iconic French designer, Jean Prouvé, is a true Mid-Century Modern masterpiece. This daybed has been meticulously restored to its former glory, ma...
Metal
$39,948Sale Price|31% Off
S.C.A.L. Double Daybed by Jean Prouvé, Metal Frame, France, 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, new upholstery, repainted. I...
Metal
French Carved Louis XV Style Double Bed Frame
Located in San Francisco, CA
Nurture yourself each night in this glorious, made-in-France, Louis XV-style full/double size bed. The French blue velvet upholstery is bordered by a hand-carved walnut. The upholste...
Velvet, Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern couch for sale. Manufactured in the 1950's, and is an original Paul McCobb piece with the original fabric. It's in need of reupholstery. We had the legs re...
Fabric, Wood
French Style Daybed
Located in Los angeles, CA
French Style Daybed Designer: Jean Royere (attr.)
Metal
$27,023
H 73.23 in W 67.72 in D 3.15 in
French industrial brise-soleil aluminium panel by Jean Prouvè, 1956
By Jean Prouvé
Located in MIlano, IT
French industrial brise-soleil aluminium panel by Jean Prouvè, 1956. Aluminum panel or brise-soleil, from the facade of the school in Beziers, France. The structure is composed of a...
Aluminum
$7,049
H 29.53 in W 77.56 in D 50.01 in
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN RECONSTRUCTION Bed DAYBED by ROGER LANDAULT, France, 1950
By Roger Landault
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautiful single bed or a daybed with its integrated night stand, Modernist, Reconstruction, Forme-Libre, in massive mahogany wood and original cane by Roger Landault, France 1950....
Cane, Mahogany
Jacques Adnet Daybed, 1950s France
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional leather and oak daybed by Jacques Adnet. The entire frame is wrapped in dark green leather with signature Adnet contrast stitching and brass hardware. Cane style paneling on all sides. Only the two crossbars underneath the bed are not wrapped in leather. Extremely collectible and rare bed...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Cleopatra Daybed by Dick Cordemeijer, 1953
By A.R. Cordemeijer, Auping, Dick Cordemeijer
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful daybeds designed by the Dutch designer Dick Cordemeijer for Auping. The frames are grey and the top bar's are made from solid teak. In very good condition seen there age....
Metal
$15,274
H 23.63 in W 55.12 in D 74.81 in
A double bed frame by Charlotte Perriand - "Hôtel La Cachette" - France 1960
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Double bed frame by Charlotte Perriand, a rare piece from the 1960s, originally designed for the prestigious "Hôtel La Cachette" at Les Arcs 1600 in Savoie, France. This bed embodies...
Beech
$9,399
H 28.75 in W 93.31 in D 77.96 in
A MID-CENTURY-MODERN Double Bed by JOSEPH-ANDRE MOTTE, CHARRON, France 1950
By Joseph-André Motte
Located in PARIS, FR
A rigorous double bed with an exceptionally graphic line, with its beveled uprights and its large headboard with integrated bedside tables, with rational elegance, Modernist, Reconst...
Metal
Daybed by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet, Compagnie Des Arts Français
Located in Uccle, BE
Daybed with a steel structure entirely covered in black saddle-stitched leather by Jacques Adnet, Compagnie des Arts Français. The side elements constructed by five uprights. The two...
Brass
Jean Prouve Daybed
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Original Jean Prouve "Antony " daybed Ateliers Jean Prouve France, 1954 Original black linen upholstery, oak table, enameled steel frame. Daybed features signature swivel si...
Metal
SCAL Daybed by Jean Prouvé with Charlotte Perriand
By Jean Prouvé
Located in London, GB
Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriand SCAL daybed, Model No. 450, c. 1950. Featuring contemporary cotton upholstery and an integrated swivel oak side table.
Steel
Sold
H 24.02 in W 55.12 in D 74.81 in
Jean Prouvé S.C.A.L. Double Daybed, Metal Frame, Upholstered, 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, new upholstery. In good condition, with...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This S.C.A.L. daybed designed by the iconic French designer, Jean Prouvé, is a true Mid-Century Modern masterpiece. Crafted by the esteemed Ateliers Prouve in France circa 1950, this...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This S.C.A.L. daybed designed by the iconic French designer, Jean Prouvé, is a true Mid-Century Modern masterpiece. Crafted by the esteemed Ateliers Prouve in France circa 1950, this...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This S.C.A.L. daybed designed by the iconic French designer, Jean Prouvé, is a true Mid-Century Modern masterpiece. Crafted by the esteemed Ateliers Prouve in France circa 1950, this...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This S.C.A.L. daybed designed by the iconic French designer, Jean Prouvé, is a true Mid-Century Modern masterpiece. Crafted by the esteemed Ateliers Prouve in France circa 1950, this...
Metal
Sold
H 26.38 in W 55.52 in D 74.81 in
Mid Century Modern S.C.A.L. Double Daybed by Jean Prouvé, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, new upholstery, repainted. In good condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Tables have been redone new according to original measurements. Jean Prouvé (1901-1984), French Industrial and furniture designer and architect. Jean Prouvé is one of the most influential furniture designers of the early modern design movement, Jean Prouvé introduced the machine age and Industrial engineered modern design aesthetic to interiors in the steel, aluminum and architecture he created. He then continued her experiments with different materials. Jean Prouvé was born into an artistic family in Nancy, France, his famous father, Victor Prouvé...
Metal
Rare Jean Prouvé Mid Century Modern Double Daybed, Circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Experience the refined simplicity of Mid Century Modern design with this stunning S.C.A.L. double daybed, meticulously crafted by the influential French designer Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve in France circa 1950, this daybed is a perfect blend of form and function. The daybed has been thoughtfully restored, featuring a sturdy metal frame with fresh paint and new upholstery that ensures comfort and durability. In good condition, it showcases minor wear consistent with age and use while preserving a beautiful patina that adds character to the piece. The accompanying tables have been skillfully recreated according to original measurements, ensuring a harmonious balance between the vintage and updated elements. With dimensions perfect for relaxation, this Jean Prouvé Mid Century Modern double daybed invites you to unwind in style while adding a touch of timeless sophistication to your living space. Jean Prouvé (1901-1984), French Industrial and furniture designer and architect. Jean Prouvé is one of the most influential furniture designers of the early modern design movement, Jean Prouvé introduced the machine age and Industrial engineered modern design aesthetic to interiors in the steel, aluminum and architecture he created. He then continued her experiments with different materials. Jean Prouvé was born into an artistic family in Nancy, France, his famous father, Victor Prouvé...
Metal
Rare S.C.A.L. Double Daybed by Jean Prouvé, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé is a magnificent piece of mid-century modern design that embodies both the elegance and functionality characteristic of the period. This stunning daybed is a testament to the timeless appeal of Prouvé's work and a must-have for any discerning collector of mid-century modern furniture. Crafted by Ateliers Prouvé in France in the 1950s, this double daybed showcases the purity of Prouvé's design philosophy. The metal frame is both sturdy and lightweight, and the new upholstery adds a touch of comfort to this functional masterpiece. The daybed has been restored to excellent condition, ensuring that it will last for many years to come. The S.C.A.L. double daybed's simple and elegant lines make it a versatile piece that will suit any interior design scheme. Whether used as a sofa, daybed, or guest bed, this piece will make a statement in any room. The new table tops have been redone to original measurements, ensuring that the entire piece retains its original charm. In summary, the S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé is a stunning example of mid-century modern design that will add both beauty and functionality to any space. Its high-quality materials, simple lines, and exquisite craftsmanship make it a true work of art that is both comfortable and durable. ------ S.C.A.L. double daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, new upholstery. In good condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Tables has been redone new according to original measurements. Jean Prouvé (1901-1984), French Industrial and furniture designer and architect. Jean Prouvé is one of the most influential furniture designers of the early modern design movement, Jean Prouvé introduced the machine age and Industrial engineered modern design aesthetic to interiors in the steel, aluminum and architecture he created. He then continued her experiments with different materials. Jean Prouvé was born into an artistic family in Nancy, France, his famous father, Victor Prouvé...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. Original preserved wooden boards. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, new uphol...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, new upholstery, repainted. Table had been done new according to original measurements. In good condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Jean Prouvé (1901-1984), French Industrial and furniture designer and architect. Jean Prouvé is one of the most influential furniture designers of the early modern design movement, Jean Prouvé introduced the machine age and Industrial engineered modern design aesthetic to interiors in the steel, aluminium and architecture he created. He then continued her experiments with different materials. Jean Prouvé was born into an artistic family in Nancy, France, his famous father, Victor Prouve, collaborated with the great Art Nouveau artists Emile Galle and Louis Majorelle as a ceramicist. Jean Prouvé himself was trained as a metalsmith before attending engineering school in Nancy, and his intimate knowledge of metal remained the foundation of his work and career. After opening his own workshop in 1923, Jean Prouvé began producing modern metal furniture...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. Original preserved wooden boards. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, n...
Metal
Jean Prouve Mid-Century Modern S.C.A.L. Daybed, circa 1950
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
S.C.A.L. daybed designed by Jean Prouvé. Manufactured by Ateliers Prouve, France, circa 1950. Original preserved wooden boards. This bed has been restored. Metal frame, n...
Metal