Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

armchair in ebonised beech

Constant Anton Nieuwenhuys, better known as Constant
Mrs Riemans
Christie's, Amsterdam, November 6, 1986, lot 483
Barry Friedman Ltd., New York
Private collection, New York
Christie's, New York, December 10, 2002, lot 83
Private collection
Christie's, London, March 23, 2006, lot 95
Collection Jacques Grange, Paris

Daniele Baroni, The Furniture of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, New York, pp. 66-67 for a related example 
Gerrit Rietveld 1888-1964, exhibition catalogue, Central Museum, Utrecht, November 28, 1992 - February 21, 1993, p. 104

EN : Condition consistent with age and use. Scattered scratches throughout the piece. Multiple dents, especially on the front of the armrests. Dents with several significant lacks of wood on the tip of several tubular parts and on the lower part of the legs. The ebonised wood is worn, especially on the edges and the armrest. Remnants of red paint, especially along the edge of the seat and the back (partially visible on the catalogue illustration) and the tips of the armrests. (This armchair was painted in red at a later stage in its history and was sold as such in 1986 - The paint was removed between 1986 and 2002 in order to give back the original aspect of the piece). //// FR : Etat cohérent avec l'âge et l'utilisation. Rayures éparses sur l'ensemble de l'oeuvre. Nombreux enfoncements, plus particulièrement sur l'avant des accoudoirs. Enfoncements et plusieurs manques importants sur le bois aux extrémités des éléments tubulaires et des pieds. Le bois teinté est usé, particulièrement le long des arêtes et sur les accoudoirs. Traces de peinture rouge, particulièrement le long des arêtes de l'assise et du dossier (partiellement visible sur l'illustration du catalogue) et les extrémités des accoudoirs. (Ce fauteuil a été repeint en rouge à une époque postérieure à sa création et a été vendu en l'état en 1986. La peinture a été enlevée entre 1986 et 2002 afin de rendre au fauteuil son aspect d'origine.)
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."