S otheby’s Important Design sale presents a curated survey of Design from the last century, from elegant examples of French Art Nouveau and Art Deco to dynamic postwar and Contemporary Design. Leading the sale are the endearing sculptures Singe I and Singe II by François-Xavier Lalanne – two golden monkeys whose irresistible charisma distinguish them as quintessential icons within the artist’s œuvre. In addition to other masterworks by François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne, the sale features works by many European design masters including Jean Dunand, Jean-Michel Frank, Georges Jouve, Pierre Jeanneret and Jean Royère. A superb selection of French Art Deco furniture and objects from the esteemed collection of New York restauranteur Jean Denoyer is led by a rare “Fontane” Cabinet by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. The sale also presents an outstanding selection of leaded glass lamps and objects by Tiffany Studios, including a magnificent “Peony” Table Lamp on a rare “Arch and Leaf” base from the prestigious collection of Jeep and Carla Harned. Additional sale highlights include superlative American Studio works by George Nakashima, Paul Evans and Harry Bertoia, and a wide range of important Contemporary Design.
