A very rare matched pair of eye-catching and exceptional 1930 red and black painted wood étagères by French decorator and furniture designer André Groult (b. 1884–1966), one of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco style.
Striking asymmetrical shelving unit, bookcase, or plant stand comprised of four red satin finish tiers—three rectangular, one circular—supported by a black satin finish frame. Minimalist geometric forms and lines are handsomely enhanced by restrained stylistic accents, including a handle-like knob at top, dowel-lipped shelves, arced feet, and oversized wooden screws that punctuate the design and secure the individual elements of its Constructivist-minded knock-down assembly.
Deemed Art Deco due in part to Groult’s milieu, their form and color scheme are also decidedly De Stijl or Bauhaus in nature, with one able to easily envision them looking right at home alongside Gerrit Rietveld’s “Red and Blue Chair”. They’d also make for a stand-out addition to a Post-Modern or Memphis-style interior
Overall dimensions are:
Height: 37.25 in.
Width: 33 in.
Depth: 9.88 in.
Dimensions for each tier—from top to bottom—are as follows: – H 33.63 in. x W 13 in. x D 8.38 in. – H 27.25 in. x Dia. 9.75 in. [at left] and Dia. 7.75 in. [at right] – H 18 in. x W 17.75 in. x D 9.88 in. – H 13.25 in. x W 15 in. x D 9.88 in.
Condition
Good
Refinished. Repaired: Bracket supporting bottom tier on étagère at left in primary image had a partial hairline crack due to over-tightening of screw. Has been discreetly repaired and is structurally sound. Photos upon request. Wear consistent with age and use. In great antique condition refinished to match original. Spray lacquer with faint signs of buffing. Very faint overspray on two brackets, a bit more on third. A few tiny nicks; a small chip in bracket. Minor 1.25 in. paint gap between shelf and lip.