NEW YORK, NY.- Christie's presents 1925 | A Modern Vision, a dedicated auction celebrating the centennial of the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes—the landmark event that launched Art Deco onto the global stage. It is especially fitting that this tribute to the movement's enduring legacy will take place in New York City, where Christie's headquarters at Rockefeller Center sits at the heart of one of the world's most iconic Art Deco environments. Surrounded by architectural masterpieces from the very era being honored, the sale reflects both the historical significance and continued relevance of Art Deco design.
Open to the public on December 5, the exhibition at Christie's New York precedes the Design and Tiffany sales on December 11 and 12 and features seminal works by the most celebrated creators of the era, including Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, André Groult, Jean Dunand, Eugène Printz, Albert Cheuret, Edgar Brandt and more.
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann designs for the salon of the Hôtel du Collectionneur stirred a movement to international revelry as the Art Deco aesthetic reach a notable peak. Borne of this seismic event appears an exploration of line and ornamentation as witnessed in Ruhlmann's rare 'Hydravion' salon suite (Canapé and Pair of Armchairs, each $200,000-300,000), from the Edlis | Neeson Collection. The French Art Deco aesthetic further embodies elegance coupled with modernity by way of luxurious materials employed and bold shapes witnessed. This tenet is beautifully expressed in the magnificent rediscovered 'Psyché à la Baigneuse' Dressing Mirror (1927) estimated at $800,000-1,200,000 – an intimate yet striking work exemplifying Jean Dunand's mastery of lacquer at impressive scale and intricacy.
Storied collection and legendary provenance is a central attribute amongst the 100 year history of Art Deco design. Early pioneers Madame Agnès and Hélène Rochas were initial adopters of the avant-garde movement. Rochas historically lived with the Two Unique 'Tours Cubistes' by Gustave Miklos (1923), blending art and design at immense scale and in incredible detail, Property from the Collection of Hervé and Isabelle Poulain (Estimated $1,000,000-1,500,000). The Maharaja of Indore, a renown patron of the arts during the 20s and 30s brought the design of Ivan da Silva Bruhns across international border with the completion of the Manik Bagh (the ruby garden) Palace – to be offered the Unique and Important Carpet from the Palace of the Maharaja of Indore, circa 1930 (Estimate: $250,000-350,000). Generations of collecting ensued with works heralding from the renowned collections of Simone and Claude Dray, Steven A. Greenberg and more. Today, the lasting appeal of Art Deco design still captivates – two rare Jean Dunand lacquer games tables, formerly in the collection of Templeton Crocker, San Francisco (Estimate $80,000-120,000) heralds from the legendary collection of Ms. Eva Chow.
The celebration of craftmanship shines through the rare commission by André Groult—a striking green-stained shagreen bed (Estimate: $250,000–350,000), Property from an Important Chicago Collection—echoes to the artist's famed Chambre de Madame of the 1925 international fair. Groult's elevation of traditional interiors with modern sensibilities similarly appears in Two Bergères forming 'Duchesse-brisée' (Estimate: $200,000-300,000), a special commission from the early 1920s. Additional works by Émile Gaudissard, Camille Roche, Alfred Janiot, and Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita showcase the breadth of innovation that continues to inspire a century later.
Victoria Tudor, Head of Design Sales at Christie's New York, comments: “This sale celebrates the enduring influence of Art Deco, and offers a powerful testament to the beauty and creative energy of the 1920s and 1930s. Art Deco's aesthetic remains as captivating today as it was 100 years ago. With the market continuing to strengthen and exceptional results achieved season after season for Rateau, Ruhlmann, and Groult, this auction not only marks a centennial milestone but reaffirms the movement's lasting relevance to collectors worldwide.”
