André Groult

Private American Collection, Paris
Jean-Jacques Dutko, Paris
Collection of Claude and Simone Dray, Paris, acquired from the above in 1995
Christie's Paris, Collection Claude et Simone Dray - Art Déco, June 8, 2006, lot 106
DeLorenzo, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

René Chavance, Une ambassade française : Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes, Paris, 1925, pl. XXIV (for the white commode in the "Chambre de Madame," in the "Ambassade Française" at the Paris 1925 Exhibition)
Gabrielle Rosenthal, "La cour des métiers et l'ambassade française," L'Art Vivant, October 1925, p. 14 (for the view of the white commode cited above)
Yvonne Brunhammer, 1925, Paris, 1976, p. 68 (for the view of the white commode cited above)
"Un Art de Composer, A Paris, chez un fervent des années trente," Vogue Décoration, 1987, no. 4, p. 99 (for the present lot illustrated)
Yvonne Brunhammer and Suzanne Tise, Decorative Arts of France 1900-1942, New York, 1990, p. 104 (for the view of the white commode cited above)
Lison de Caunes et Jean Perfettini, Le Galuchat, Paris, 1994, p. 138 (for the present lot illustrated)
Félix Marcilhac, André Groult: décorateur-ensemblier du Xxe siècle, Paris, 1997, pp. 152 (for the view of the white commode), 166 (for the white commode) and 185 and inside front and back covers (for the present lot illustrated)
Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier du XXe Siècle, Dictionnaire des Créateurs, Paris, 2000, p. 282 (for the white commode)
Charlotte Benton, Tim Benton and Ghislaine Wood, eds., Art Deco 1910-1939, London, 2003, p.146 (for the above view of the white commode cited above)

Overall in very good condition. The shagreen surfaces throughout with a few minor surface scratches and abrasions, a few minor hairline cracks to the surfaces (all seemingly stable), and some minor areas of discolorations commensurate with age and gentle handling. The exterior surfaces with areas of sensitively undertaken restorations to stabilize the shagreen in areas. The case with some occasional small and minor losses to the shagreen (mostly concentrated along the edges and only visible upon close inspection), some with associated restorations. The proper front left door of the commode appears slightly lighter in color, presumably from sun exposure. The proper left side of the commode with some evidence of old restorations and stabilization, with associated discolorations to the shagreen in areas. The amazonite with minor surface scratches and surface soiling consistent with age and gentle handling. The top with a few minor old hairline cracks and a few old restorations to the amazonite veneer, all stable. The proper right back corner of the top with a small loss to the amazonite, measuring 2 ¼ x ⅝ inches at its widest point. The proper right side of the top with a small circular area of discoloration where the amazonite is slightly darker. The pulls of the top drawer and keyhole of the proper left door with minor old hairline cracks to the amazonite, all stable. The keyhole of the central drawer appears to have an old restoration, with a few small hairline cracks and a minute associated loss near the top. The silvered bronze with minor wear and discolorations, mostly to the pulls and feet of the commode, consistent with age and gentle handling. The mahogany interior with a few minor surface scratches, areas of discolorations, and minute edge chips consistent with age and gentle use. Both side cabinets are fitted on the interior with one shelf and adjusting brackets. With one key.
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.

The 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris presented a pavilion based on the theme of a French Embassy, with each room of the embassy designed by a different decorative artist. André Groult was in charge of the “Chambre de Madame,” or Lady’s bedroom.  The interior he created expressed a sophisticated harmony, combining exquisitely executed pieces and precious materials such as shagreen, ebony, ivory, and amazonite.

Next to Groult’s famous anthropomorphic cabinet (now in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris) and below a painting by Marie Laurencin, who was a close friend of Groult’s family, was a stunning commode, covered with cream shagreen and decorated with ivory plaque (see page 89.)  A few years later, Groult created for an American client, leaving Avenue Foch in Paris, another version of this bedroom suite executed entirely in green shagreen. The suite comprised a jewelry cabinet, two armchairs, a desk and two chairs, and the present commode (lot 259).

This commode epitomizes André Groult’s style: resolutely modern, yet very much sharing continuity with the past. Groult took inspiration from the classic commode shape, yet “dressed” it with precious green galuchat (shagreen) and adorned it with amazonite gemstone, giving this masterwork an exceptional presence. The use of galuchat was Groult’s signature and a technical tour de force. Following a process where the ray skin has been prepared, it is laboriously applied on the shaped silhouette of the piece, requiring a lot of tremendous skill and patience. On this commode, the shagreen has been applied directly on a mahogany body, a wood which is strong enough to resist shagreen shrinkage. It was executed by Adolphe Chanaux, who learned cabinet making with Groult in the 1920s before becoming one of the most important French Art Deco workshops.

This shagreen commode reflects the major source inspiration of the time: an incredible sense of luxury and preciousness combined with elegant and simple lines, sophisticated details, masterful technique and reference to Cubism. In this design, the intricate geometric pattern of the amazonite of the top is reminiscent of pre-Columbian masks which inspired art in the 1920s.

Groult’s creations have also been sources of inspiration for designers through the 20th Century. The decorative motif of the shagreen, which is the same on the celebrated Anthropomorphic  cabinet designed by Groult  and the curves of the form, has notably influenced Marc Newson’s riveted aluminum pieces, such as his Pod of Drawers and Lockheed Lounge designs.