Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

DeLorenzo Gallery, New York

Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2003

Florence Camard, Ruhlmann: Master of Art Deco, New York, 1983, p. 285 (for a related example)

Florence Camard, Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, p. 279 (for a related example)

In January 1934, shortly after Ruhlmann’s passing, art critic Marcel Zahar wrote: “Ruhlmann has given his name to a style whose characteristics are quite unlike those of the furniture of his time. Devoted to the principle of luxury, his was a clearly delineated style which takes its place in the history of decoration as an œuvre apart, the result of a magnificently creative temperament.”

Ruhlmann perpetually sought flawless harmony of color, volume, and scale in his work, and the present dining table is an exceptional achievement by the artist. It reminds us of Ruhlmann's philosphy: trying to find a solution to each problem, willing to "follow reason even more so than fantasy." Master in the art of composing volumes, Ruhlmann was always looking for simplification to create his most quintessential pieces. The archives in the collections of the Musée des Années 30 in Boulogne demonstrate Ruhlmann's attention to detail and perfectionism.

Within Ruhlmann's body of work, this dining table model is extremely rare: only eight models are referenced in the Ruhlmann archives. Created during the last year of his life, the present table epitomizes the Ruhlmann's aesthetic, reinterpreting classical forms in a distinct, refined, and completely modern style. Streamlined contours and superb craftsmanship, as well as comfort and functionality, were all thoughtfully considered and realized by the artist. The graceful curvature of the base pedestal imparts the table with a highly architectural quality. The effortlessness of its forms and impressive sculptural presence distinguish this table as an icon of Ruhlmann's work.