Jean Prouvé

Christie's London, The Chair, November 9, 2000, lot 68
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Galeries Jousse Seguin and Enrico Navarra, Jean Prouvé, Paris, 1998, p. 149
François Moulin, Jean Prouvé:  Le Maître du Métal, Strasburg, 2001, n.p.
Peter Sulzer, Jean Prouvé: Oeuvre Complète/Complete Works, Volume 3: 1944-1954, Basel, 2005, cat. nos. 1243 and 1243.R
Galerie Patrick Seguin, Jean Prouvé, Paris, 2007, vol. 2, pp. 271 and 278-281
Jean Prouvé: The Poetics of the Technical Object, Milan, 2007, p. 311

Overall very good original condition. The wooden elements of the chair with a few minor edge nicks, minor discoloration and dings, consistent with gentle use. The reverse of the chair with one vertical loss to veneer beginning at the top of the seat back measuring ¼ x ¾ inch. With a second similar size loss to the veneer to the underside of the chair at the front seat edge, which is not visible once the chair is righted. With a few minor edge losses to the veneer along the edge of the seat. There is an area of discoloration and minor loss to to the proper right side of the reverse of the chair, as seen in the catalogue illustration. This appears to have been a result of the hardware slipping and bruising the adjacent wood. The reverse of the chair with a few areas of black linear discolorations which are minor and visible in the catalogue illustration. The metal fastening hardware to the seat appears to have been cleaned. The enameled metal frame of the chair with some minor nicks, chips and scratches consistent with use, which are concentrated to the lower portion of the legs and the top surfaces of the feet. The black enameled surface appears original throughout and has not been disrupted. In the catalogue illustration, the wooden elements of the chair appear slightly more red in tone than when viewed in person. The oak seat presents in original condition with a wonderful acquired patination throughout.
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.