Over the last few years, 20th-century furniture has been attracting a large number of enthusiasts who want to incorporate into their interiors pieces conceived by designers who embody simplicity, comfort and ergonomics to perfection.
From the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau marked a break with the past, with its use of curves and "whiplash" lines and the predominance of motifs from nature. Emile GALLÉ, master glassmaker, cabinetmaker and ceramist, remains a major figure and a perfect representative of this naturalist trend. This trend became more radical in certain countries such as Austria and Germany, with the use of straight lines and a more sober vocabulary, giving rise to Art Deco.
Art Deco, which really took off in the 20s, was characterised by sober lines and rich materials. Designers such as Jacques-Emile RUHLMANN, Jules LELEU, Jean ROYERE, Louis MARE and André SUE guided the production of these pieces.
The 50s and 60s saw the emergence of a new approach to furniture, using simple materials combined with new industrial techniques (plastic, plywood, metal). Jean PROUVÉ, Charlotte PERRIAND, Le CORBUSIER, Verner PANTON, Eero SAARINEN, Charles & Ray EAMS and Harry BERTOIA are just some of the great designers of the period.
Finally, contemporary designers are renewing design with unique pieces. François-Xavier and Claude LALANNE or Hervé VAN DER STRAETEN combine refined aesthetics, elegance and innovation, demonstrating a permanent quest for modernity.
Our team is on hand to advise you and appraise your works in Paris and throughout France.
Our team is here to advise you and come and appraise your works in Paris and throughout France.
Some great recent auctions:
François-Xavier LALANNE & ARTCURIAL (publisher), “Oiseau d'argent” dining table, model created in 1993 - €50,000 on May 21, 2025,
Irène CODREANO, Jeune femme, circa 1926, subject in pinkish beige stone – €45,000 on March 29, 2022,
Jean LAMBERT-RUCKI, Femme au voile, Large model, bronze proof with brown patina – €20,500 on December 13, 2021,
Pablo PICASSO (after) and MADOURA (editor), “owl” jug, model created in 1955 – €10,000 on November 17, 2020,
Jacques ADNET, varnished oak desk with rectangular top covered in green leather – €11,000 on March 29, 2022,
Emile GALLE, Verrerie parlante, Vase with shouldered baluster body and hot-modeled trilobed neck in pink mixed glass with blue traces – €33,000 on November 28, 2022,
Claudius LINOSSIER, Nickel silver brassware amphora vase with obusal body – €69,500 on April 17, 2023,
Line VAUTRIN, “spiked sun” mirror n°2, circa 1955 in talosel – €38,000 on November 23, 2023,
Valentine SCHLEGEL, Les Genoux fleuris, 1957, vase shaped with coil and chamotte earthenware – €92,000 on November 23, 2023.