Josef Urban

Yves Macaux, Brussels, 2006

"The Art Revival in Austria," The Studio, special issue, 1906, p. 61
Randolph Carter and Robert Reed Cole, Joseph Urban:  Architecture, Theatre, Opera and Film, New York, 1992, p. 35
Renée Price, ed., New Worlds:  German and Austrian Art 1890-1940, New York, 2001, p. 456

Overall very good original condition. This set of six chairs is characterized by black lacquered frames. Please visit sothebys.com for a photograph of these six chairs. The frames of the chairs with minor surface scratches, edge nicks, chips to lacquer and abrasions consistent with age and use. Each of the chairs with minor rubbing and losses to the front edge of the seat, consistent with use. Two of the chairs with almost complete loss of the the lacquer to the top crest of the backrest likely the result of handling which is visibly in the photograph on sothebys.com. With possible areas of re-lacquer to the four chairs that present without loss to the lacquer at the crest. One chair with a concentrated vertical edge abrasion to the proper left back leg extending approximately 4 inches. Another chair with aan abrasion and associated loss of lacquer to the proper left side measuring four inches in length. The chairs are consistent in the hue of the frame across the set of six chairs. The original leather seats of each present with surface scratches, discoloration, dryness, crazing, surface dirt and abrasions consistent with age and use. Each of the chairs with minor edge losses and edge abrasions consistent with use and handling. With scattered surface dirt to the recessed portions of the design. Three of the chairs show more concentrated dryness to the leather surfaces, more crazing to the surface as a result and few minor losses to the leather measuring less than a 1/8 inch which reveal the natural color of the leather beneath. Two of the chairs with leather seat that present with a subtle green color. One chair with a restored horizontal crack to the leather of the seat back extending five inches, as seen in the online illustration. This chair with a few smaller adjacent cracks to the leather and a second adjacent area of sensitive restoration measuring three inches in length. Another of the black leather chairs with two areas of sensitive restoration, one vertical in orientation measuring two inches and another semi-circular in shape measuring two inches in diameter. These restorations are well executed and the seat remains stable. Another black chair with an area of vertical indentation that presents with a slightly silver tone, measuring 1 ¾ inches in diameter. Three of the underseats have been reinforced at some point in the chair's history. The backs of the chairs with a leather panel which shows considerable crazing, dryness, surface scratches and discolorations consistent with age. With possible restorations to these panels. The chair with the semi-circular restoration to the seat front shows the same restoration to the reverse panel. One of the green leather chairs with a restored crack to the reverse panel measuring 2 inches. The panels are mostly obstructed by the structural wooden back splat. One chair with losses to lacquer over a screw head to the top of seat frame. The brass sabot with minor surface scratches, discoloration and oxidation consistent with the natural aging process of the material. The brass tacks appear original throughout and present with minor rubbing to finish. One chair with a tack at the juncture of the seat and seat back that is presently very slightly out of line, and possibly has been re-positioned. One of the green leather chairs with two slightly loos tacks that are not presently sitting flush to the leather surface. A wonderful set of chairs showing gentle use and restorations that retain the original design and integrity of the material.
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.