Eugène Printz

Ben and Sonia d’Ancona, Paris, 1938
Thence by descent to the present owners

"XXVe Salon des Artistes Décorateurs:  Les Ensembles," Art et Décoration, June 1935, p. 215 (for the model)
Mobilier et Décoration, July 1935, inside front cover (for a period advertisement including the model)
Guy Bujon and Jean-Jacques Dutko, E. Printz, Paris, 1986, pp. 200 and 202

Overall in very good condition. This chair was part of larger commission which has remained in the family of the original owner and the present condition of the work shows the great care of the owners. Please note that the photo of the catalogue illustration is flipped. The frame of the chair with some minor nicks, dings scratches and rubbing to finish at the high points of the design that are consistent with gentle use. The proper right arm with a small and minor loss to the finish measuring 1/4 inch in diameter and the proper left back foot with a minor dent to the edge measuring ¼ x ¼ inch, both consistent with the gentle use of the chair. With minor surface soiling consistent with age and gentle use. The proper right feet with some minor stains and very minor traces of white paint residue, visible on the catalogue illustration. The upholstered elements of the chair are later, but executed in a manner consistent with the original design. The upholstered elements with some minor surface soiling and compression of the cushions as a result of use. This is wonderful highly sculptural form which was used by Printz in a number of significant commissions and exhibitions in the 1930s. Please contact Sotheby's 20th century Design department to see a photograph of the chair within the original residence.
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.

This chair was part of a large group of furnishings commissioned directly from the artist by Ben and Sonia d’Ancona on the occasion of their marriage in March 1938.  Their apartment in Paris on Rue Oswaldo Cruz was filled with furniture and lighting designed and produced by Eugène Printz in his Paris workshop.  Shortly thereafter, on the eve of the war, the family relocated to the United States.  A photograph taken of Sonia d’Ancona in 1948 shows this armchair in the couple’s home in Woodmere, New York.