Maurice Dufrêne

Sofa, giltwood and brown velvet

circa 1925

The Vestige · One piece only
€40.000Margin scheme

Vintage piece sold under the VAT margin scheme: net price, VAT included, not recoverable and not itemised on the invoice. Delivery quoted within 24 business hours.

One piece only · available

  • Insured white-glove delivery worldwide
  • Certificate of authenticity
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The label
Designer
Maurice Dufrêne
Period
circa 1925
Materials
Gilt Metal, Velvet & Fabric
Dimensions
W 147 × D 82 × H 81 cm, seat 45 cm
Reference
VST-11212364874069
The story

This very elegant Corolle model sofa was designed in 1925 by Maurice Dufrêne for the workshops of La Maîtrise, the decorative arts department of Galeries Lafayette, where he served as artistic director at the time. This emblematic model perfectly illustrates the Art deco aesthetic of the mid 1920s, in which the lines take over ornament. The backrest and armrests form a continuous, enveloping curve evocative of a floral corolla, while the balanced proportions lend the piece a presence that is both sculptural and refined. The gilt wood structure elegantly highlights the design of the furniture and reinforces the architectural reading of the piece. The banquette rests on tapered, slightly curved legs, characteristic of the formal vocabulary developed by Dufrêne, combining French tradition with decorative modernity. The generous seat and tufted backrest provide a high level of comfort, further enhanced by a brown velvet upholstery that subtly contrasts with the gilded base. This Corolle model bears witness to Maurice Dufrêne’s central role within La Maîtrise, where he sought to democratize elegant, legible, and coherent furniture, intended both for prestigious interiors and for the large decorative ensembles of the era.

This sofa has been fully restored, regilded, and reupholstered, and is in museum condition. A pair of armchairs, from the same line, is also available, for a full living room set.

Literature : La Maîtrise des Galeries Lafayette, directeur artistique Maurice Dufrène, Hors concours - Toutes classes exposition des arts décoratifs de 1925, page 18.

About Maurice Dufrêne

Maurice Dufrêne (1876-1955) was a French decorator and designer, a founding member of the Société des Artistes Décorateurs in 1901. After working for Meier Graefe's La Maison Moderne in the Art Nouveau period, he directed La Maîtrise, the design studio of the Galeries Lafayette, from 1921. His furniture of the 1920s shows Art Deco refinement in fine veneers and lacquer. Collectors seek signed pieces of that decade.

All pieces by Maurice Dufrêne
Delivery

Every piece is packed and shipped under insurance, from the workshop to you. White glove delivery (unpacking, installation, packaging removal) is available on request. Delivery is not charged at checkout: we send you a quote within 24 business hours of your order. You have 5 days to accept and pay it (secure payment link or bank transfer), otherwise your order is cancelled and fully refunded.

Certificate of authenticity.

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