PAUL DUPRÉ-LAFON | PAIR OF CHESTS OF DRAWERS

Aguttes, Neuilly-sur-Seine, October 6, 2010, lot 65

Ensembles Mobiliers: Volume VI, Paris, 1945, pl. 47 (for a related writing desk model)

Thierry Couvrat-Desvergnes, Paul Dupré-Lafon: Décorateur des Millionaires, Paris, 1990, pp. 128-129 (for a related sideboard model)

Trained as an architect at the École des Beaux Arts in Marseille, Paul Dupré-Lafon (1900-1971) is best known for the ambitious and luxurious residential interiors that he conceived throughout the 1930s for prominent Parisian clients. Dupré-Lafon worked on private commissions for which he created entire interiors from start to finish, and in which each object played a key role in the room for which it was originally intended. His designs maintained a consistency of function paired with a simple elegance from juxtaposed materials, including the finest leathers from Hermès, crisp limed oaks and industrial hardware. As critic Bernard Champigneulle stated in 1929, Dupré-Lafon’s designs “satisfy both the spirit and sense of comfort while maintaining perfect elegance.” 

The present two chests are statement-making pieces that embody the essence of his style, namely linearity, purity of form, harmonious proportions and the use of luxurious materials. The door handles that simultaneously serve as door locks are a playful device that epitomize the designer’s concern for elegant functionality. Many of his finest furniture pieces rely on a similar uncluttered construction and superior craftsmanship. While the commission history for these works is unknown, it is reasonable to believe they were created as part of a specific interior scheme. The notion of contextual design, a key concept in Dupré-Lafon’s work, is perfectly illustrated in Marc Jacobs’ downstairs living room where the cabinets were placed against an elegant limed oak wall matching their outer cases.