- 56
Jean-Michel Frank
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 EUR
bidding is closed
Description
- Jean-Michel Frank
- Cabinet, circa 1935
- Branded J.M.FRANK, CHANAUX & Co, numbered 15010 and 13 HERMES JM on the reverse
- leather covered wood and brass
- 82,5 x 115 x 33,5 cm ; 32 1/2 x 45 1/4 x 13 1/8 in.
oak, leather and brass
Provenance
Collection Mrs Stanley Resor, U.S.A. and thence by descent
Sotheby's, Paris, November 25, 2014, lot 4
Private collection, Europe
Sotheby's, Paris, November 25, 2014, lot 4
Private collection, Europe
Literature
Josette Devin, "Jean Michel Frank, un créateur oublié", L'Oeil, May 1963, p. 51
Léopold Sanchez, Jean-Michel Frank, Paris, 1997, pp. 174-175, 186-187
François Baudot, JM Frank, Paris, 1998, pp. 70-71
Pierre-Emmanuel Martin-Vivier, Jean-Michel Frank, L'étrange luxe du rien, Paris, 2006, p. 47
Jean-Michel Frank, un décorateur dans le Paris des années 30, exhibition catalogue, Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint-Laurent, Paris, October 2, 2009 - January 3, 2010, p. 71
Léopold Sanchez, Jean-Michel Frank, Paris, 1997, pp. 174-175, 186-187
François Baudot, JM Frank, Paris, 1998, pp. 70-71
Pierre-Emmanuel Martin-Vivier, Jean-Michel Frank, L'étrange luxe du rien, Paris, 2006, p. 47
Jean-Michel Frank, un décorateur dans le Paris des années 30, exhibition catalogue, Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint-Laurent, Paris, October 2, 2009 - January 3, 2010, p. 71
Condition
Fair overall condition, consistent with age and use of the leather.
The leather is discolored and dried out throughout with some thin cracks. There are scratches, scuffs marks, minute to small tears and stains scattered on the leather, mostly concentrated to the front (visible on the catalogue illustration) and the back of the cabinet. Minute tears along the stitches, mostly along the lower stitch. Liftings of leather along the proper left lower corner on the front and the lower corners of the back. The proper right side presents with some slightly more important cracks on the leather. The proper left side presents with a scuff mark and some tears in the leather on the lower part. There are more significant scratches and tears along the legs, including two more visible on the proper left front leg, visible on the catalogue illustration. Brass handles and feet show wear and traces of oxidation.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This lot is sold with a certificate from the Jean-Michel Frank Committee.
Helen Stanley Resor, director of advertising at the J. Walter Thompson company, was a pioneer of advertising in the United States. She most likely met Jean-Michel Frank in Paris following the opening of his gallery.
There is documentation for approximately twenty pieces that she has ordered between 1935-1937. On the 25th November 2014 Sotheby's Paris sold eight lots from this original collection, amongst them our filing cabinet.
In a letter from Frank to Helen Stanley Resor, the designer has sent her several samples of leather, including the yellow one used by Hermès to cover the filing cabinet. It masterfully presents the aesthetics of Jean-Michel Frank, drawing on the classic forms of the Directoire and the Louis XVI style. Especially in the sobriety of its lines. In a daring way he used the most noble and precious materials as only he could.
Helen Stanley Resor, director of advertising at the J. Walter Thompson company, was a pioneer of advertising in the United States. She most likely met Jean-Michel Frank in Paris following the opening of his gallery.
There is documentation for approximately twenty pieces that she has ordered between 1935-1937. On the 25th November 2014 Sotheby's Paris sold eight lots from this original collection, amongst them our filing cabinet.
In a letter from Frank to Helen Stanley Resor, the designer has sent her several samples of leather, including the yellow one used by Hermès to cover the filing cabinet. It masterfully presents the aesthetics of Jean-Michel Frank, drawing on the classic forms of the Directoire and the Louis XVI style. Especially in the sobriety of its lines. In a daring way he used the most noble and precious materials as only he could.