French Decorative Arts (Page 8)

The French Decorative Arts collection explores the refinement, craftsmanship, and artistic influence of France’s decorative traditions. French decorative arts have set global standards in elegance and luxury from the opulent designs of the 17th and 18th centuries to modern innovations. This category covers furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, metalwork, and interior design styles shaping decorative arts history.

Topics include:

  • Baroque and Rococo Splendor – The grandeur of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI styles, featuring gilded furniture, intricate marquetry, and elaborate ornamentation.
  • Neoclassicism and Empire Design – The influence of Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, and French classicism on decorative arts.
  • French Porcelain and Ceramics – Celebrated works from Sèvres, Limoges, and Faience traditions.
  • Art Nouveau and Art Deco Movements – The innovations of designers like Émile Gallé, René Lalique, and Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann.
  • Modern and Contemporary French Design – The legacy of Jean-Michel Frank, Philippe Starck, and contemporary luxury brands.

French designer Georges Dunaime was from France. Between 1921 and 1927, five agents worked to sell Dunaime's work. He designed lighting for E. Etling. Gagnon, the designer and engraver, made most of his work, which included table lamps, torchéeres, and chandeliers made of silver, gilt, and patinated bronze with shades made of cloth, cut glass, quartz, marble, and alabaster. He made many different kinds of lighting for the ocean liner Paris in He made many different kinds of lighting for the ocean liner Paris in 1921. In 1922, a show of his work was put on at Gagneau. He won first prise in a competition held by the Union of Bronze Manufacturers in 1922. He also won first prise (for a table lamp) and an honourable mention (for a piano lamp) at the Great Lighting Competition in Paris in 1924. Work shown at the booths of Gagnon, Gagneau, Bézault, and Christofle at the 1925 Paris "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes."

Georges Dunaime designed lighting for E. Etling, the designer and engraver. His work included table lamps, torchéeres, and chandeliers made of silver, gilt, and patinated bronze with shades made of cloth, cut glass, quartz, marble, and alabaster.Read More →

Elegant Art Deco table by Armand-Albert Rateau featuring sculpted bronze dolphin-shaped legs and intricate detailing.

Armand-Albert Rateau (1882–1938) was a French furniture designer and interior decorator. His name and work became well known for his contributions to the Art Deco style, which was gaining popularity at the time. He created the fashion house Lanvin and ran the Lanvin-Décoration interior design department on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. He became one of France’s most influential designers of the Art Deco furniture and decor movement. In 1921–22, he was the manager of Lanvin-Sport.Read More →