Pair of Sinuous Chairs in Cherry by Armand-Albert Rateau

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Pair of Sinuous Chairs in Cherry by Armand-Albert Rateau

About the Item

This exquisite pair of chairs by Armand-Albert Rateau (1882-1938) is a fine example of the highly considered nature of his designs. Typical to his process, the model was inspired by an historical French 19th century slipper chair type, itself an elaboration of the Classical klismos form, which he simplified to emphasize its scrolling curvature. The frame is a sinuous "S" shape through the seat and back, which turns into an outward scroll at the top and in two sabered legs in back, all of which is united by an organically modeled channel carved into the cherry wood frame. In front, two round legs with a curving taper are capped with abstracted tassel forms. Elegant and sculptural, Rateau included this model in the furnishings for Lanvin's boutique at 16 rue Boissy-d'Anglas (c.f.: Hélène Guéné, Décoration et haute couture: Armand Albert Rateau pour Jeanne Lanvin, Paris, Les Arts Décoratifs, 2006, pgs 64, 65) One of the most exclusive masters of the Art Deco era, Armand-Albert Rateau (1882-1938) dedicated his career to creating exquisitely appointed custom interiors for an intimate circle of deeply pocketed clients. The boutique nature of his production (and his disinterest in joining a professional organization or exhibiting at the Salone) limited public fame during his lifetime, but to a limited group of cognoscenti, the exquisite nature of his work was much admired. Rateau’s training began by attending the École Boulle, followed by time at two of Paris’ most prestigious design houses, that of Georges Hoenstschel and later Alavoine et Cie. When he opened his own decoration firm in 1919, Rateau had considerable experience organizing elaborate custom projects and had developed his mature working process finding inspiration in the great styles of France and Antiquity and reinterpreting them for modern life. He soon met the first of his core patrons, George and Florence Meyer Blumenthal of New York City, followed by the Spanish Duke and Duchess of Alba and French couturier Jeanne Lanvin. For Lanvin, Rateau designed both residences and boutiques, and for a brief period he headed Lanvin Décoration, a short-lived venture primarily focused on the couturier's retail interiors. He also designed graphics and the bottle for her signature fragrance "Arpège."

Creator:
Armand Albert Rateau (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cherry
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1920-1929
Date of Manufacture:
1920s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Expert restoration, cushions recovered in a fine velvet, original cushion substructure retained.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU91415581603