Gerrit Rietveld
"Zig-Zag" Chair
designed and executed circa 1934-1938
executed by Gerard van de Groenekan or Metz & Co., The Netherlands
painted wood
later branded H.G.M./G.A. v.d. GROENEKAN/DE BILT NEDERLAND
29 x 14 x 15⅝ in. (73.6 x 35.5 x 39.6 cm)
Overall in good condition. The present chair is stable and presents with no apparent structural issues. As pictured in the catalogue photography, the proper right side of the seat presents with some warping to the wooden surface (please contact the department for additional photographs). The wooden surfaces present with surface scratches, light abrasions and small indentations throughout consistent with age. The lowermost horizontal surface presents with slightly more pronounced scratches consistent with gentle use. The seat presents with three stable hairlines to the wood, each measuring approximately 7, 4 and 5 inches. The upper edge of the backrest presents with two stable and small hairlines each measuring approximately 1 inch long, consistent with use of the shallow recess on the reverse of the backrest. The white paint with small occasional losses throughout concentrated to the side edges, corners and to two areas of the backrest. All bolts and screws are in age-appropriate condition and present with oxidation throughout consistent with age. One metallic foot pad is missing from the underside. The other three metallic foot pads appear to have been reattached to the underside at some point in the history of the piece, as evidenced by visible ring marks to the wood.
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.
Sotheby’s would like to thank Rob Driessen and Jurjen Creman for their assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.