Süe et Mare

John W. Mecom, Jr., Houston
Sotheby's New York, November 18, 1994, lot 444

Léon Moussinac, Interieurs I, Paris, 1924, pl. 45
Raymond Foulk, The Extraordinary Work of Süe et Mare, New York, 1979, p. 51
Victor Arwas, Art Deco, London, 1980, p. 54
Florence Camard, Süe et Mare et la Compagnie des Arts Français, Paris, 1993, pp. 109, 165, 272 and 275

Overall in good condition consistent with age and use. All chairs with gentle wear, minor surface scratches, nicks and dings and occasional areas of in-paint. One of the legs is loose and needs to be stabilized; a few of the legs appear to have been restored at some point. Five of the backrests with an area of abrasion in shape of a fine line approx. 2 in. under the scrolled top on the back of the chair where the chairs must have rubbed against a surface, this is easily touched up. The scrolled tops on the back are also slightly sun faded and the finish is a little worn. The upholstery has not been changed for a long time; it is still the Mecom provenance upholstery and might even be the original upholstery. The wood is slightly dry with occasional age cracks. The chairs are in a wonderful almost original condition and would benefit from a sensitive professional restoration to bring back their original beauty. A great set, a superb example of Süe et Mare's iconic "Gondole" chair.
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.