CHRISTIAN BÉRARD | Carpet

Commissioned directly from the artist by Jean-Michel Frank for Nelson Rockefeller in 1939

Van Day Truex, "Jean-Michel-Frank Remembered," in Architectural Digest, September-October 1976, illustrated p. 74
Léopold Diego Sanchez, Jean-Michel Frank, Paris, 1980, illustration of another example pp. 162 & 197
Léopold Diego Sanchez, Jean-Michel Frank, Paris, 1997, illustration of another example pp. 168 & 237
John Loring, "Nelson Rockefeller's Fifth Avenue Apartment: Recalling the Residence of the Notable Politician and Philanthropist," in Architectural Digest, April 2001, illustrated pp. 102 & 106
Pierre-Emmanuel Martin-Vivier, Jean-Michel Frank: The Strange and Subtle Luxury of the Parisian Haute-Monde in the Art Deco Period, Paris, 2006, illustration of another example p. 190
Jean-Michel Frank: Un Décorateur dans les Paris des Années 30 (exhibition catalogue), Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 2009, illustrated p. 67

Overall good condition consistent with age and gentle use. This Aubusson carpet was used by the Rockefellers in their 810 Fifth Avenue apartment since it was originally commissioned from the artist in 1939. The carpet presents in largely original condition with two phases of scattered conservation executed since 1939 (one older, likely in the 80s, and a second more recently). There are scattered areas of larger stabilization (approx. 2 x 4 in.) to the colored weave, largely concentrated to the outer blue/green border which has slightly faded with age. There are scattered, smaller areas of reinforcement and slit repair present throughout, largely concentrated to a few areas of color separation. These have been executed recently are not overtly visible. The foundation weave is partially visible to areas around the outer perimeter, as is common with age, and visible in the catalogue illustration. The original coloration of the carpet has evenly faded with time, as is typical with this style of Berard carpet, with the original hue visible on the reverse. The carpet has been recently professionally cleaned.
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.

For much of his career, Jean-Michel Frank committed his interior designs to a neutral color palette. White, eggshell, beige, camel—such soft tones allowed volume and form to dictate the spaces Frank created. He even scrutinized and resisted the inclusion of paintings within his carefully conceived interiors, arguing that their decorative presence was disruptive to the natural harmony of forms. Over time, his taste evolved and color slowly became part of his mature aesthetic. This shift is partly attributable to his collaboration with painter, fashion illustrator and set designer Christian Bérard. Upon meeting in the late 1920s, Frank was seduced by Bérard’s expressive and stylish designs. He began commissioning Bérard to create tapestries, which typically featured floral, figural, and fashion motifs. Sage green, pale blue, lemon yellow and soft mauve—Bérard’s preferred palette—entered Frank’s interiors in the form of upholstery, carpets and painted decorations, imparting a levity, poetry and playfulness that were previously absent from the Frank’s work.

Nelson Rockefeller personally selected two Bérard carpets for his living room, including the present carpet, which was positioned near the Léger fireplace. It is referenced under identification number 41 in Rockefeller and Frank's correspondence from October 31, 1938. Upon reviewing carpet design options sent to him by Frank, Rockefeller replied in a letter dated January 13, 1939 that he "liked very much the sketches for the carpets." Frank wrote back several days later to ensure "The two carpet drawings you selected have been put into exact scale by an artist who works for me under Bérard's and my supervision and I presume I shall go in a month or so to Aubusson to see how they are progressing." In April 1939, the two carpets were shipped on the S.S. Normandie ocean liner.