Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Collection of Madame Ruhlmann
Camard Paris, December 5, 2000, lot 83
DeLorenzo Gallery, New York

Gaston Varenne, "L'Exposition des Arts Décoratifs," Art et Décoration, July 1925, p. 16 (for the model in the Hôtel du Collectionneur)
Gabriel Mourey, "The Paris International Exhibition, 1925. First Article:  The French Buildings," The Studio, vol. 90, 1925, p. 18 (for the model in the Hôtel du Collectionneur)
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann:  Master of Art Deco, New York, 1984, p. 160 (for the model in the Hôtel du Collectionneur)
Ruhlmann:  Un Génie de l'Art Déco, Paris, 2002, p. 172 (for the model in the collection of Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris)
Emmanuel Bréon and Rosalind Pepall, Ruhlmann:  Genius of Art Deco, Montreal, 2004, p. 50 (for the model in the Hôtel du Collectionneur)
Florence Camard, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, pp. 176, 320 and 346

Overall in very good condition. This exquisite set of chairs is distinguished by a superb selection of ébène de macassar with vigorous figuring. The chairs present beautifully in person, and epitomize the elegance and luxuriousness of Ruhlmann’s most iconic designs. All of the chairs are structurally sound and stable. The ébène de macassar surfaces throughout appear to have been French-polished in recent years. The chairs overall show some very light surface scratches and a few minute edge nicks consistent with age and use. On the reverse of each chair, there is a small and shallow area of rubbing to the finish at the midpoint of the backrest. This is likely the result of surface contact with a wall from a prior installation, and could be minimized or removed with professional restoration. Some of the chairs with some minor age cracks consistent with the natural expansion of wood over time, and with some occasional surface fractures and seam separations consistent with age and use. There is evidence of some minor sensitive restorations to the chairs. These minor condition issues are only visible upon close inspection and do not detract from the overall visual appearance of the chairs. The chair shown in the first row farthest to the left in the catalogue illustration with a minor loss at the joint of the backrest and back seat rail on the front proper right side. The chair shown in the second row farthest to the left with a tight and stable horizontal age crack to the rear of the seat frame extending the width of the panel. The second chair in from the left in the second row with a small localized area of restoration to the proper left rear leg located approximately four inches below the seat. The third chair in from the left in the second row with a minor area of infill to the proper right front joint of the arm and seat. There are two adjacent hairline age cracks in this same area, which appear stable as a result of prior restoration. The chair farthest to the right in the second row with a stable age crack extending the length of the scalloped portion of the backrest, which shows evidence of prior restoration. The chairs have been recently re-upholstered, and the fabric is in excellent condition. The upholstery selection is quite elegant, displaying an ivory ground with a subtle white linear undulating design. The upholstery is well chosen and indicative of the style that would have originally accompanied the chairs.
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.

Similar to the dining table offered in the previous lot, this elegant set of chairs is distinguished by an exquisite wood selection.  Ruhlmann has selected the finest vigorously grained ébène de macassar as the decorative focal point of these chairs, which subtly imparts the impression of upholstery, and is further enhanced by the graceful sweeping lines of the crest rails and legs.  In form they are closely related to the set of chairs sold in these rooms from a Private American Collection. (see Sotheby's New York, December 16, 2010, lot 7).