JEAN PROUVÉ | Cafétéria Table no. 512 (Blue)

Commissariat à l'énergie atomique, centre de Marcoule, France
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Jean Prouvé, edition Galerie Patrick Seguin, Paris, 2017, Vol.1, p. 294, 298-301, 322 Jean Prouvé, Oeuvre Complète/ Complete Works Volume 3: 1944-1954, Peter Sulzer Birkhäuser-Publishers for Architecture, Basel, 2005, p. 268-269

The work is in good condition overall. There is evidence of wear and handling with associated abrasions and scratches and other marks of usage throughout. There is evidence of oxidization and discolouration on the metal legs and the joint areas, consistent to the age of the medium. The wood appear to be in very good condition with minor scratches.
"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."

Sotheby’s is proud to unveil a vast collection of modern French design, offering distinguished and iconic pieces from Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret, presenting a perfect opportunity to acquire furniture designed by the twentieth century’s most-celebrated masterminds.  Widely acknowledged as one of the most influential designers, Jean Prouvé’s prolific career spanned more than sixty years, during which he produced furniture to interior. The highlight of this collection is Prouvé House, the famous 1944 demountable house, which will be simultaneously offered in Sotheby's Hong Kong Evening Sale this season (Lot 1158). Prouvé’s exceedingly efficient structural system reveals the genesis of the demountable houses that were first build in 1944 to rehouse war victims, supported by axial portal frames, rapidly constructed and immediately habitable on the day of assembly. Incorporating materials such as steel and aluminum, his groundbreaking design is not only practically engineered, but also elevated everyday living environment with chic touch of modern aesthetic. Prouvé himself once quoted “never design anything that cannot be made.” A post-war necessity turned icon of mid-century design, Prouvé’s archetypal of his elegant lines are included in the collection, with the iconic Metropole Chair and Cafeteria Table (Lot 567 & 568).

Hauled as the father of what is now called modern architecture, Le Corbusier has both influenced and collaborated with Perriand, Prouve and Jeanneret. His design combines functionalism of the modern movement with sculptural expressionism. Le Corbusier’s Diabolo Standing Lamp (Lot 574) perfectly epitomizes the ambiance and feel of modern furniture and embraces the aesthetic of minimalism. Both as the eminent architects and designers and also working along for Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret dedicated their discipline to providing better living conditions through designs of bold elegance and efficiency. Collection includes legacies of their most celebrated design pieces, Jeanneret's iconic v-legged easy armchairs (Lot 575 & 576) and Perriand's Single Bed (Lot 573).