Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Andy Warhol, New York, circa 1970
Sotheby's New York, April 23, 1988, lot 349
Private Collection, London
Tajan Paris, October 23, 1996, lot 193
Galerie Jean-Jacques Dutko, Paris

David Bourdain, New York Magazine, November 11, 1974, pp. 64-65 (for a discussion of the table in Warhol's residence)
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann: Master of Art Deco, Paris, 1983, pp. 145 and 203 (for the model included in the Ruhlmann showroom, 1930)
Florence Camard, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, cd rom catalogue raisonné (for the design drawing of the model)

Overall in excellent condition. The artistry and woodworking technique used to execute this table is truly superb. The top of the table shows minimal shallow surface scratches, which are barely visible against the complex patterning of the top. The design of the top was created to include extension leaves, therefore the top is comprised of two elements. The extension leaves no longer exist, however the hardware which affixes the two halves of the table top is period and extremely stable. The amboyna base was made to also accommodate the addition of an extension leave, and is comprised of three separate elements. The three elements are pegged, and the three elements fit tightly together. One of the base elements showing some light age expansion to the wood and does not fit perfectly flush, as seen in the catalogue illustration. This is minor and does not detract from the overall appearance of the table. The base with some scattered scratches and surface dirt from use. The underside of the table bearing two brands and the original Warhol Collection sticker from Sotheby’s, shown in the auction catalogue. This table is also being sold with custom-made table pads. This is a truly magnificent table that pairs a superbly executed inlaid top with an elegantly contrasting amboyna base. This table epitomizes the exquisite craftsmanship of Ruhlmann’s furniture designs, and the keen collecting eye of Andy Warhol.
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.

Andy Warhol was a voracious collector, with a deep passion and a skill for mixing masterpieces from a wide variety of genres, from French Art Deco to American Modernism.  The present table is an example of the refined aesthetic that epitomized Warhol's acquisitions.  According to Warhol himself, this table was included in his 1972 film L'Amour, which featured another iconic tastemaker, Karl Lagerfeld.  L'Amour was filmed in Paris, and upon completion, the table was brought to New York.  When discussing this superb piece in an interview in 1974, Warhol casually stated "we use it as a conference table and for lunches."  After his death in 1987, the present lot was part of the Collection of Andy Warhol sold at Sotheby's, alongside other masterworks by Pierre Legrain and Jean Dunand that had filled his private residence at 57 East 66th Street. 

The table pairs an exceptional ebene de macassar top with a delicately contrasting piece.  The top is a tour de force in inlay execution, utilizing the striking figuring of the ebene de macassar in concentric circles of radiating sunbursts.  Finished in amboyna, the base in both design and wood selection is dramatically distinguished from the top and epitomizes the exquisite workmanship of this master Art Deco ébèniste.  This model was selected by Ruhlmann as a featured work in his own showroom circa 1930.

This table not only exemplifies the extraordinary design and elegance of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann's furniture, but also epitomizes the distinctive and refined eye of Andy Warhol as a visionary collector.