Etienne-Henri Martin’s design work combined elements of classic and avant-garde French design. The French designer and decorator designed his most famous seating models in the early 1950s, symbolizing French modernism of the 20th century.

Luxurious detailing and a bold graphic form define this so-called gondola chair. Gondola chairs are low chairs, often used at a writing desk, with a curved back that constitutes the arms of the chair as well. The Gondola chair is named after the 18th-century Venetian gondola row boats, which have a similar curvilinear shape. A generous base of sculpted wood lifts the structure that consists of a fully upholstered seat and the defining curve of the arms and back. The seat and back of significant proportions is visually formed of a single piece, sectioned on the back and perfectly fitted to the curves of the design. The thick seat cushion not only provides great comfort, but also serves as a visually appealing element. Martin's work had elements of traditional decorative art and elements of avant-garde that are apparent in this armchair, especially in the curved arms and in the tapered, triangle-shaped legs. Despite the influence of different styles, the look is cohesive and opulent. Etienne-Henri Martin’s “SK” series of chairs include many variations of the same base, and this model is likely part of this series and therefore likely a Steiner edition.

This armchair epitomizes the grand scale and organic design of French mid-century interiors. Thanks to its material and aesthetic quality, it is certain to make a deluxe statement in any contemporary setting. Etienne-Henri Martin is a highly acknowledged designer in and out of France, his pieces of furniture were acquired by the state and are held by the Musée National d'Art Moderne.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

25.98 in W x 35.82 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 24.8 in

66 cm W x 91 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 63 cm

About the designer:

Etienne Henri-Martin was born in Paris on April 7, 1905. A student at the Ecole Boulle, he studied metal there. A collaborator of Edgar Brandt from 1923 to 1928, he exhibited, from that time and in this capacity, at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs.

In 1925, at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts, he was commissioned by the Director of the Ecole Boulle to decorate the reception room of the City of Paris: he won a Grand Prix. He worked successively at the Atelier Primavera at Printemps, at the Decoration Services of the Louvre, which he directed; Head of agency and collaborator of René Prou, he was finally Artistic and Technical Director at the Bon Marché department stores in Brussels where he remained until 1950.

He was the winner of the Blumenthal Prize, obtained at the Salons des Artistes décorateurs, in which he participated since 1931, and at the International Exhibition of 1937, Grands Prix, diplomas and medals from the Society for the Encouragement of Art and Industry.

From his return from Belgium, he resumed his participation in the Salons of Decorative Artists and Household Arts. He was a member of the Committee of the S.A.D. as the treasurer. Apart from numerous private facilities and public establishments in France and Belgium, he collaborated in the fitting out of ocean liners as well as in the decoration of the Council Chamber of the League of Nations with René Prou.