Josef Urban

"The Art Revival in Austria," The Studio, Special issue, 1906, p. 61
Randolph Carter and Robert Reed Cole, Joseph Urban:  Architecture, Theatre, Opera and Film, New York, 1992, p. 35
Renée Price, ed., New Worlds:  German and Austrian Art 1890-1940, New York, 2001, p. 456

A superb and rare large set of well matched chairs in original condition. Please note we have removed the dustcover and cut through the webbing of one chair, and have uncovered a Thonet branded mark. The leather of the seats is a beautiful dark green hue. The leather of the seats is in excellent condition given the age of the chairs. With some scattered surface scratches and minor abrasions to the leather along the immediate edges adjacent to the brass tacks. Some rubbing to the leather, concentrated to the lower portions of the seat. This is most severe in the one chair shown at the center in the catalogue illustration. There are no cracks to the surfaces, and only very minor crazing. One chair lacking a single brass tack. At least three of the chairs with some lifting to the brass tacks along the juncture of the seat and seat back, from use, which would benefit from stabilizing. The brass sabots of the chairs are circular in the front and square to the reverse. Each sabot with scratches and minor discolorations due to oxidation of the metal, and with later circular metal pads. The black frames of the chairs with scattered nicks, dings, and scratches consistent with age and use. One chair with a crack to both of the horizontal supports along the side of the chair. Another chair with a small crack to the back of the proper left back leg along the mid-section of the leg at the stretcher. This has made the chair slightly uneven and should be stabilized by a professional restorer.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.