Lot 55
  • 55

Armand Albert Rateau

Estimate
70,000 - 90,000 USD
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Description

  • Armand Albert Rateau
  • Pair of Armchairs from the Bedroom of Madame Rateau, Paris
  • silver leaf and wood with lacquer decoration, silvered bronze and silk upholstery
en suite with the two following lots

Provenance

Bedroom of Madame Thérèse Rateau, wife of the artist, 17 quai de Conti, Paris, circa 1932
Vallois, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Literature

Franck Olivier-Vial & François Rateau, Armand Albert Rateau, Paris, 1992, p. 192 (for the present lot illustrated) and p. 174

Condition

Overall good condition consistent with age and use. The frames are superbly executed with shells in high relief, seductively curved bases and classical fluted detailing. The silver leaf is beautifully rendered with geometric patterns on the front of the armrests, and presents with scattered rubbing, craquelure, nicks, scuffs, scratches, some localized staining and some discoloration throughout. Some wear to the silvering revealing the black lacquer, as visible in the catalogue illustration. A few minor chips to the edges and bottom of the armchairs, revealing the white gesso and wood in some areas, with further scattered chips and losses to the gesso throughout.Some areas have been professionally and sensitively retouched in a silver finish. A few areas of gesso are very slightly loose. The armchairs have been reupholstered and the upholstery presents with minor signs of wear and gentle use. A small tear to the top right proper corner of the backrest, measuring approximately 3/8in and is not visually disruptive. The upholstery is newer with minor wear throughout. A black stain on the inside right proper armrest of one chair approximately 1 ½ in length, with spotted black staining likely from the same source directly below and on the side of the seat cushion. The upholstery on the other chair with a few nicks and what appears to be water staining concentrated to the upper backrest and rear right proper corner. These may be removed with a professional cleaning. The cloth on the underside of one chair is torn in several areas but is not visible when the chair is upright. A rare pair of chairs that reflect their historical significance. For more detailed images of this lot, please contact the department.
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.