Jean Prouvé

Private Collection, France
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2002

Galerie Patrick Seguin, Jean Prouvé, Paris, 2007, vol. 2, p. 330
Peter Sulzer, Jean Prouvé:  Oeuvre Complète/Complete Works, Volume 3:  1944-1954, Basel, 2005, p. 179

Overall in good original condition. The desk appears to retain the original paint, wich some minor rubbing, and scattered chips. The wooden surfaces of the desk with some light discoloration to the sides of the drawer case elements, as seen in the catalogue illustration. This discoloration is possibly the result of cleaning and soiling. The discolorations could likely be lessened in appearance by a professional restorer. The wooden elements overall with scattered shallow surface scratches, edge nicks and minor isolation discolorations, that are all consistent with age and use. This desk example incorporates the rare curved shape top. The top of the table is in very good condition, with some light discoloration from use near the central front edge, as seen in the catalogue illustration. The top with a small edge chips and loss and one small area of infill, measuring two inches on the proper left back corner (as seen in the catalogue illustration). The painted elements a few scattered losses shallow surface scratches, and edge nicks, all of which are consistent with use. Some of the losses along the metal brace below the top to the front of the desk expose the natural metal color, which appears to have been restored and the metal darkened in order to lessen the appearance of the paint losses. The interiors of the drawers with some minor surface dirt and discolorations. The back of the drawer cases with the same green painted metal. This desk with the curved format top has a very nice scale. Please contact the department for additional photographs of the desk showing the front side of the desk.
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.