Items Similar to Low Gondola Armchair by Etienne-Henri Martin 'Attr.', France, 1950s
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17
Low Gondola Armchair by Etienne-Henri Martin 'Attr.', France, 1950s
About the Item
Etienne-Henri Martin’s design work combined elements of classic and avant-garde French design. The French designer and decorator designed his most famous seating models in the early 1950s, symbolizing French modernism of the 20th century.
Luxurious detailing and a bold graphic form define this so-called gondola chair. Gondola chairs are low chairs, often used at a writing desk with a curved back that forms the arms of the chair as well. The Gondola chair is named after the 18th-century Venetian gondola row boats which have a similar curvilinear shape. A generous base of sculpted wood lifts the structure that consists of a fully upholstered seat and the defining curve of the arms and back. The seat and back of significant proportions is visually formed of a single piece, sectioned on the back and perfectly fitted to the curves of the design. The thick seat cushion not only provides great comfort, but also serves as a visually appealing element. Martin's work had elements of traditional decorative art and elements of avant-garde that are apparent in this armchair, especially in the curved arms and in the tapered, triangle-shaped legs. Despite the influence of different styles, the look is cohesive and opulent. Etienne-Henri Martin’s “SK” series of chairs include many variations of the same base, and this model is likely part of this series and therefore likely a Steiner edition.
This armchair epitomizes the grand scale and organic design of French mid-century interiors. Thanks to its material and aesthetic quality, it is sure to make a deluxe statement in any contemporary setting. Etienne-Henri Martin is a highly acknowledged designer in and out of France, his pieces of furniture were acquired by the state and are held by the Musée National d'Art Moderne.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.98 in W x 35.82 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 24.8 in
66 cm W x 91 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 63 cm
About the designer:
Etienne Henri-Martin was born in Paris on April 7, 1905. A student at the Ecole Boulle, he studied metal there. A collaborator of Edgar Brandt from 1923 to 1928, he exhibited, from that time and in this capacity, at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs.
In 1925, at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts, he was commissioned by the Director of the Ecole Boulle to decorate the reception room of the City of Paris: he won a Grand Prix. He worked successively at the Atelier Primavera at Printemps, at the Decoration Services of the Louvre, which he directed; Head of agency and collaborator of René Prou, he was finally Artistic and Technical Director at the Bon Marché department stores in Brussels where he remained until 1950.
He was the winner of the Blumenthal Prize, obtained at the Salons des Artistes décorateurs, in which he participated since 1931, and at the International Exhibition of 1937, Grands Prix, diplomas and medals from the Society for the Encouragement of Art and Industry.
From his return from Belgium, he resumed his participation in the Salons of Decorative Artists and Household Arts. He was a member of the Committee of the S.A.D. as the treasurer. Apart from numerous private facilities and public establishments in France and Belgium, he collaborated in the fitting out of ocean liners as well as in the decoration of the Council Chamber of the League of Nations with René Prou.
Shipping:
This armchair will be packaged and shipped with the greatest care and attention to make sure you will receive the item in gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.
- Attributed to:Etienne-Henri Martin (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.32 in (77 cm)Width: 25.99 in (66 cm)Depth: 35.83 in (91 cm)Seat Height: 18.12 in (46 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
- Seller Location:Utrecht, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: 202108651stDibs: LU2947332248212
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
1stDibs seller since 2017
358 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
Associations
20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- French Teak Armchair, France, 1950sLocated in Utrecht, NLThis mid-century French armchair combines a visually stunning structural body with expert caning technique and high-quality materials. As with the UK and much of Europe, there was ...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsCane, Wood
- Swedish Modern Upholstered Armchair by Axel Larsson 'Attr.', Sweden, Ca 1950sBy Axel LarssonLocated in Utrecht, NLAxel Larsson was an incredibly productive Swedish furniture architect and designer with a more than 50-year long career. This armchair is a rarity, despite Larsson being most well-known for his furniture series designed for and mass-produced by SMF Bodafors. This particular chair takes inspiration from the uplifting, pared-down aesthetic of Scandinavian design. The design consists of a smooth sculptural frame crafted in curved and stained wood that frames a finely tailored seat and back. The streamlined design of the wood structure immediately stands out for its pronounced lines and airy construction. It shows off the architectural precision put into both the design and into the execution. The curve of the arms and legs - formed of a single piece of wood - defines the look and is perfectly balanced by the straight stretchers connecting the legs. The other defining feature is the obtuse angle created by the reclined position of the back and the raised seat. This angle is also followed by the frame and as a result the aesthetic is dynamic but still exudes the functional cosiness of Swedish design. There is a clear emphasis on comfort, from the tilted back to the sculpted, wide armrests and the seat cushion. The light upholstery complements that dark stained wood by creating an apparent contrast both in colour and texture. Axel Larsson also designed furniture for individual carpenters in Stockholm; these were made in small numbers, and this armchair may be one of these rare designs. Swedish Modern style is delicately scaled, using tapering legs and clever but simple solutions as seen on this chair as well. Subtitled “A Movement Towards Sanity in Design”, it also describes quality and the ability to lend grace to the daily chores of life. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 25.59 in W x 30.31 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 21.65 in; Arm height 25.19 in 65 cm W x 77 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 55 cm; Arm height 64 cm About the Designer: Axel Larsson was born in 1898 in Torp socken, Sweden. Larsson was a professional for more than 50 years and belonged to a handful of furniture and interior designers who played a major role and influenced the development of their professional sphere. He grew up in Medelpad, and as a young carpenter's apprentice, he was given the opportunity to study further in Stockholm as a furniture designer through a scholarship from 1916 to 1920. In parallel with his studies at the Higher School of Art and Design, he was a furniture designer under Carl Malmsten during his work with furniture for Stockholm City Hall...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- French Armchair with Teak Structure, France 1950sLocated in Utrecht, NLThis mid-century French armchair combines a visually stunning structural body with expert caning technique and high-quality materials. From all sides, this chair’s angles...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsTeak
- Pair of French Teak Armchairs, France, 1950sLocated in Utrecht, NLThis pair of midcentury French armchairs combines a visually stunning structural body with expert caning technique and high quality materials. As with the UK and much of Europe, ...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsCane, Teak
- European Low Back Armchair with Upholstered Seat, Europe, ca 1950sLocated in Utrecht, NLThe modernist movement in Europe found its beginnings in the roots of the Bauhaus and Functionalist movements. Bauhaus design emphasized clean, pure lines, while Functionalism sought...Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- French Natural Wood and Woven Rope Armchair, France, 1950sLocated in Utrecht, NLThis mid-century French armchair combines a visually stunning structural body with an expert rope waving technique and high quality materials. As with the UK and much of Europe, there was something of a design renaissance in France in the 1950s, due to developments in materials and technology after the war. In France, designers were often also architects, whose focus on functionality and quality resulted in sculptural models, such as the chairs of this pair. Among many others, top French interior designer, François Catroux...Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsRope, Wood
You May Also Like
- Pair of French Gondola Armchairs by Etienne-Henri MartinBy Etienne-Henri MartinLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of low lounge chairs model SK40 designed by Etienne-Henri Martin and manufactured by Steiner, France 1952. These chairs features a dark espresso stained Rosewood frame in a sati...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsRosewood
- Two 1960s Armchairs by Etienne Henri MartinBy Etienne-Henri MartinLocated in Paris, FRTwo 1960s armchairs by Etienne Henri Martin, re-upholstered and covered with a "Divina" fabric by Kuadrant.Category
Vintage 1960s French Armchairs
MaterialsWood, Fabric
- Pair of Reclining Armchairs by Etienne Henri MartinBy Etienne-Henri MartinLocated in Brooklyn, NYPair of French, 1950s chairs in original condition. Located in Brooklyn.Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBeech
- 20th Century French Pair of Beech Armchairs by Etienne-Henri Martin & SteinerBy Etienne-Henri Martin, SteinerLocated in West Palm Beach, FLA vintage French Art Deco pair of armchairs, fauteuils made of hand crafted polished Beechwood, detailed in a high gloss finish, designed by the Etienne-Henri Martin and produced by ...Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Armchairs
MaterialsBeech, Velvet, Upholstery, Fabric
- Etienne-Henri Martin SK40 Lounge Chairs Steiner 1952 BlueBy Steiner, Etienne-Henri MartinLocated in Roosendaal, Noord BrabantStunning pair of low lounge chairs model SK40 designed by Etienne-Henri Martin and manufactured by Steiner, France 1952. These chairs have a solid beech frame which is fully refinish...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Beech
- A Pair of Cherrywood Armchairs attributed to Etienne-Henri Martin, circa 1937By Jean PascaudLocated in London, GBExquisite form, patina and quality. With scroll arms, sabre legs and elliptical scalloped back. Finished in Skai nappa faux leather.Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Armchairs
MaterialsFaux Leather, Cherry
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Household Furniture
Salon Vintage
Vintage Salon
French Triangle
Used Reception Furniture
Gondola Vintage
Vintage Student Chair
Writing Desks 1950 S
Vintage Salon Furniture
Ocean Liner Furniture
Vintage Desk Armchair
Modern Organic Style Armchair
1950 French Writing Desk
Retro Salon Chair
Mid Century Fully Upholstered Armchairs
Vintage French Salon Chair
French Salon Seat
Armchairs 1925