Armand Albert Rateau
An Important and Rare “Oiseaux” Low Table
Estimate:
1,000,000 - 1,500,000 USD
Armand Albert Rateau
An Important and Rare “Oiseaux” Low Table
1924
patinated bronze, white and black marble
each foot impressed 5292 AA RATEAU INVR 1209, the underside impressed AA RATEAU INVR. twice
13 1/4 x 40 x 19 1/2 in. (33.6 x 101.6 x 49.5 cm)
Overall in very good condition. The present lot is one of the artist’s most iconic and quintessential works. Its recessed black marble top is elegantly accented with a thin border of white marble inlays, supported by a magnificent base consisting of four birds modelled in full relief and executed in dark patinated bronze. The patinated bronze surfaces present beautifully overall with a dark rich patina with subtle green undertones concentrated to the recessed areas. The patina with extremely small and scattered areas of discoloration concentrated to the corners, edges, tails and ball-shaped feet, revealing the bronze undersurface (not visually distracting). The table retains its original marble top, which presents with light surface scratches throughout and very minimal edge wear and edge abrasions consistent with gentle use. One exposed corner of the top with a fleck to the marble measuring approximately 1/8 inch wide and not visually distracting. One of the outer perimeter edges of the marble top has been recently restored and stabilized by a professional conservator (imperceptible to the naked eye). One of the artist’s most defining and elegant works, this table combines animalier sculpture with functionalism and provides collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire an extraordinary design icon of the period.
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.
Christie's New York, December 13, 1985, lot 572
Private Collection, New York
Christie's New York, Masterworks of 20th Century Design: An Important Private New York Collection, December 17, 2015, lot 15
Encyclopédie des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes au XXème Siècle, Paris, 1925, vol. V, pl. XXXV (for Lanvin model)
Albert Flament, "Salles de bain modernes," La Renaissance de l'Art Francais et des Industries de Luxe, May 1925, p. 230 (for the model from the Duchess of Alba commission)
"Une salle de bains moderne dans un palais ancien," Vogue, May 1926, p. 32 (for the Alba model)
Yvonne Brunhammer, 1925, exh. cat., Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, 1976, p. 200 (for the Lanvin model)
Alain Lesieutre, The Spirit and Splendour of Art Deco, Secaucus, 1978, p. 276, fig. 259 (for the Lanvin model)
Pierre Kjellberg, Art Deco, Paris, 1981, p. 150 (for the Lanvin model)
Victor Arwas, Art Deco, New York, 1986, p. 82 (for the Lanvin model)
Yvonne Brunhammer, Le Style 1925, Paris, 1987, p. 41, fig. 2 (for the Lanvin model)
Alastair Duncan, A. A. Rateau, New York, 1990, pp. 13, 15, 48 (for the Lanvin model) and 63-65 (for the Alba model)
Derek Ostergard, Art Deco Masterpieces, New York, 1991, pp. 50-51 (for the Lanvin model)
Franck Olivier-Vial and François Rateau, Armand Albert Rateau, Paris, 1992, pp. 14, 45 (for the Lanvin model), 59, 60-61 and 68-69 (for the Alba model)
Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier du XXème Siècle: Dictionnaire des Créateurs, Paris, 1994, p. 540 (for the Lanvin model)
Hélène Guéné, Décoration et Haute Couture, Armand Albert Rateau pour Jeanne Lanvin, un Autre Art Déco, Paris, 2006, pp. 113, 122, 127 and 156 (for the Lanvin model)
Alastair Duncan, Art Deco Complete, Paris, 2010, p. 73 (for the Lanvin model)
Jared Goss, French Art Deco, New York, 2014, p. 179 (for the Alba model)