Jean Prouvé (1901-1984)

Oak and lacquered steel; manufactured by Atelier Jean Prouvé; circa 1950

Galerie de Beyrie, New York

Peter Sulzer, "Jean Prouvé: Oeuvre Complète/Complete Works, Volume 3: 1944-1954," Basel, 2005, fig. 1159.9,1

Overall good condition. The steel case elements of the desk appear to have been repainted at some point in the history of the piece. With scattered scratches and chips to the paint throughout. The frame also appears to have been repainted at some point and presents with scratches, areas of wear, and chips to the paint, including a ship on the top of proper left leg measuring approximately 1 inch side. The top of the desk appears to have been refinished at some point in the history of the piece. The desktop with surface scratches, including a few scattered deeper scratches, abrasions, dents and areas of wear throughout consistent with age and use. The edges of the top with some small losses to the veneer. The proper left edge with a dent and associated loss measuring approximately 1/2 x 1/2 inch, and another smaller abrasion with associated loss on the same side measuring approximately 1/4 x 3/4 inch. The proper left set of drawers lacking one of the locking devices, visible in the catalogue illustration. The same set of drawers is askew; it appear the weld holding the case adjacent to the frame has broken, causing the chest to pull away from the frame in the back, visible one of the catalogue illustrations. The proper right set of drawers with similar pulling to the proper right back side with a very small associated break, stable and visible in one of the catalogue illustrations. The desk lacks keys and hardware to attach the top to the frame, however modern screws could easily be used. For further details on this lot, please contact Sotheby's Design Department: 212-606-7170.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.