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Monumental 1950s Brutalist Solid Oak Coffee Table, Attributed to Jean Touret

$8,165.67
£6,097.10
€6,890
CA$11,199.72
A$12,587.75
CHF 6,555.37
MX$153,098.14
NOK 83,883.95
SEK 79,546.70
DKK 52,450.87
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About the Item

Monumental 1950s Brutalist Solid Oak Coffee Table, Attributed to Jean Touret for Ateliers de Marolles Discover this magnificent Brutalist coffee table, an exceptional piece of craftsmanship meticulously crafted from solid oak. Dating from the 1950s and attributed to the renowned Jean Touret for Ateliers de Marolles, this table perfectly embodies the spirit of mid-20th-century French art furniture, characterized by raw expression and a celebration of noble materials. Every surface of this table has been carefully worked with a gouge, imparting a rich, organic texture to the wood that is unique to each piece. This artisanal technique highlights the intrinsic beauty of the oak, its deep grain, and warm nuances, creating a tactile and visually captivating surface. The rounded edges of the top soften the robust silhouette, adding a touch of elegance to its Brutalist character. Supported by four thick and sturdy legs, solidly joined, the table offers remarkable stability and a timeless design that will integrate with character into various interiors, from rustic chic to contemporary minimalist. Its presence is both imposing and warm, capable of becoming the centerpiece of a living room or reception area. While it bears no visible signature mark, the aesthetic characteristics and manufacturing methods used are strongly indicative of the work of Ateliers de Marolles, famous for their high-quality, uniquely designed rustic furniture. This coffee table is not merely a piece of furniture; it is a functional work of art, a testament to artisanal savoir-faire and the Brutalist aesthetic that continues to inspire. It is in excellent vintage condition, displaying a natural patination acquired over time, which further enhances its charm and authenticity. Dimensions: Length: 100 cm (39.37 inches) Width: 62 cm (24.41 inches) Height: 45 cm (17.72 inches) To facilitate transport and ensure optimal safety during shipping, the table legs will be disassembled before packaging. They are designed for easy reassembly. Jean Touret was a French sculptor and artist, born in Mayenne in 1916. His journey was marked by a deep connection with nature and craftsmanship. Taken prisoner at the beginning of World War II, he was sent to the forested mountains of Herzgebirge in Germany. There, he shared the rustic life of peasants and lumberjacks, learning to observe, evaluate, and work with wood. This experience shaped his vision and distanced him from the desire to re-enter the bourgeois world of pre-war France. Upon his return to France in 1945, Jean Touret, who had previously studied drawing and painting, decided to dedicate himself to art. In 1947, he settled with his family in the outbuildings of the Château de Pezay, a small rural village of 450 inhabitants near Blois, called Marolles (in Loir-et-Cher). He initially pursued a promising career as a painter. However, it was in 1950 that he initiated a project that would become emblematic: the creation of Ateliers de Marolles (originally named "Les Artisans de Marolles"). Faced with modernization and the decline of traditional crafts, Touret conceived the idea of revitalizing these skills. He decided to unite local artisans from the village – a carpenter (Émile Leroy and his son Maurice), a blacksmith (Henri Vion), a basket maker (Edmond Le Flohic), and later a ceramist – to create a production association for furniture and decorative objects. Jean Touret served as the artistic director. The goal was to combine traditional skills with a modern artistic vision, thereby creating unique pieces. Their production, predominantly in solid oak, is characterized by pure forms, a raw texture often worked with a gouge, and an aesthetic that is fully aligned with the Brutalist movement of the 1950s-1960s. Ateliers de Marolles gained increasing success, notably exhibiting at the Château de Blois in 1958. Jean Touret is recognized for applying his philosophy of craftsmanship not only to furniture production but also to monumental sacred art pieces, such as the altar of Notre-Dame de Paris (installed in 1989, severely damaged during the 2019 fire but whose bronze figures were recovered).
  • Attributed to:
    Jean Touret (Cabinetmaker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 39.38 in (100 cm)Depth: 24.41 in (62 cm)
  • Style:
    French Provincial (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Oak,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    leucate, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7285245890032

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