.
.
.
#ArtDeco #ArtNouveau #VintageFurniture #LuxuryCollectibles #AntiqueAuction #FrenchArt #HeritageAuctions #RareFinds #CollectibleArt #DesignHistory #LuxuryLiving #ArtGlass #VintageStyle #AuctionHighlights #TimelessDesign
Heritage Auctions’ May 14 Pursuit of Beauty: Art Nouveau, Art Deco & Art Glass sale achieved a total of $1,114,810, featuring nearly 200 lots that celebrated the centennial of the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, the event that gave birth to the term “Art Deco.” The auction showcased a diverse array of decorative arts, furniture, and glassware, with several lots achieving record or near-record prices.
The top lot of the sale was Albert Cheuret’s Hibou (Owl) console and mirror, circa 1925, which soared to $237,500, setting a new record for the artist. The piece, standing over 80 inches tall, featured a bronze owl supporting a marble-top console and a mirrored glass panel. Nicholas Dawes, Heritage’s senior vice president of special collections, noted its significance as a creation of Cheuret, one of the era’s most avant-garde designers, and its relevance to the centennial celebration of the 1925 Paris Exposition.
Another standout was Edgar Brandt’s Simplicite console, a silvered wrought iron and marble-top piece that exceeded expectations, selling for $25,000 against an estimate of $8,000–$12,000. Dawes highlighted Brandt’s prominence in the Art Deco movement and the console’s practicality and elegance as contributing factors to its success.
Furniture with notable provenance also drew attention. A set of 12 Cannelle chairs by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, originally from Andy Warhol’s collection, achieved $125,000. The chairs, crafted in carved wood with red leather seats, exemplified Ruhlmann’s iconic Art Deco style and added historical significance to their appeal.
Decorative glassware was another strong category. A three-handled iridescent Loetz vase, circa 1902, brought $32,500, well above its estimate, showcasing the robust market for high-quality Art Nouveau glass. René Lalique’s Pommes De Pin (Pinecone) chalice, an early and rare piece from 1902, sold for $18,750, reflecting its exquisite craftsmanship and condition.
American Art Deco pieces also performed well, with a Norman Bel Geddes-designed Manhattan cocktail set for the Revere Copper and Brass Company fetching $5,500, likely a record for the set. A figural lamp by Frankart, Inc., featuring two enameled aluminum figures holding a cylindrical light, exceeded its estimate to sell for $2,500. Jean Luce’s mirrored and sanded glass tray achieved $2,250, another strong result.
Poster art was represented by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic 1892 lithograph of cabaret singer Aristide Bruant, which sold for $32,500. Dawes noted the enduring appeal of Toulouse-Lautrec’s work and the respect for poster art among collectors.
The auction also featured a rare original ticket to the 1925 Paris Exposition, which realized $750. Dawes emphasized its historical significance as a tangible connection to the event that defined the Art Deco movement.
Dawes highlighted the global reach of the auction, with European buyers securing the top lots and participation from collectors in China and other regions. The success of the sale reflects the enduring appeal of Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces, as well as Heritage Auctions’ growing influence in these markets.
The next Pursuit of Beauty auction is scheduled for October 22, with a strong lineup of art glass already consigned. Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For more information, visit www.ha.com or call 214-528-3500.
In summary, the auction celebrated the centennial of Art Deco with a mix of record-breaking sales, historically significant pieces, and strong performances across categories, underscoring the continued fascination with the aesthetics and craftsmanship of this iconic era.
