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At a time when the most emergent design and most accomplished architect furniture seem to fascinate our world, we are proud to present a series of works of art designed and realized since the end of the 19th century. These pieces have been created integrating modern aspirations as well as the latest technical constraints, the most innovative enabling artists to engage in the freest creation.

This sale offers pieces, often unique, realized at the end of the 19th century, just when design, then called “modern style”, appeared.

Hôtel Frison

“I call architecture frozen music” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749-1832.

This famous quotation may well have inspired Horta. Indeed, we recognize in his fluent lines and organic shapes, typical of his style, a rhythm yet unknown in architecture. In the midst of the 19th century, new materials and techniques, such as wrought iron or cast iron stands, pave the way for new concepts of spatial constructions that we recognize in the Hôtel Frison as well as in the  Hôtels Solvay, van Eetveldre and Tassel… The 19th century was also a discovery period during which European countries broadened their horizons while opening to new countries and cultures.

The Hôtel Frison was build between 1893 and 1894 by the architect Victor Horta for his friend Frison, a lawyer considered as being one of the most important founders of the “Art Nouveau” movement, of which Brussels was one of the European capitals. The architect has gathered around a few outstanding elements, starting with the great gallery and its zenithal lighting, around which the building is articulated. On the front façade, we recognize other Art Nouveau characteristics such as wrought iron balconies, covered in numerous winding lines, which actually are stylized floral patterns, but also curved elements such as balconies and loggias.

Gustave Serrurier-Bovy (1858-1910) Rare “Silex” chair in green lacquered and re-lacquered wood and white lacquered wood. The seat is straw-bottomed and has a mobile frame. 89.5 cm high – 39.7 cm wide – 42 cm deep 35.2 inches high – 15.6 inches wide – 16.5 inches deep Estimate: 20 000/30 000 €

Victor Horta (1861-1947) Pair of chairs in padouk structure, smooth base with overflowing hoofs, shapely and grooved belt line, laterally doubled strut with stylized vegetable patterns. Back with scrolls with an openwork design at the base and top. The écusson seat and the back elements are covered in brown leather embossed in crocodile manner and lined with floral tapestry studs, the lateral siding materials in projection. 91.2 cm high – 44 cm wide – 47 cm deep 35.9 inches high – 17.3 inches wide – 18.5 inches deep Estimate: 20 000/30 000 €

Henry Van de Velde (1896-1969) Walnut basket armchair. Seat and back subsequently covered in a blue and grey fabric. 81.7 cm high – 58 cm wide – 60 cm deep 32.2 inches high – 22.8 inches wide – 23.6 inches deep Estimate: 2 500/3 000 €

Victor Horta (1861-1947) Exceptional lectern in brass and gilt bronze, with a floral tripod base supporting the central cylindrical drum ending in leaves supporting the posterior shelf, sheathed in leather. 98 cm high – 54 cm wide – 50 cm deep 38.6 inches high – 21.3 inches wide – 19.7 inches deep Estimate: 15 000/20 000 €

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