Jean-Michel FRANK (1893-1941) - Lot 70

Jean-Michel FRANK (1893-1941) Executed by Maison COMTE in Buenos Aires Console desk with black patinated wrought-iron structure partially upholstered in black leather Opens with two drawers in the waistband with gilded brass ring handles Slightly tapered corner leg Designed circa 1937 H : 77 cm W : 114.5 cm D : 49.5 cm Bibliography - Léopold Sanchez, "Jean-Michel Frank", Éditions du Regard, Paris, 1997, model made in France reproduced on page 88 - Pierre-Emmanuel Martin-Vivier, "Jean-Michel Frank", Norma Éditions, Paris, 2006, model made in France reproduced on page 23. - Mo Teitelbaum, "The Stylemakers: Minimalism and Classic-Modernism 1915-45", Philip Wilson Publishers, 2011, similar model reproduced on page 235. A certificate of authenticity from the Comité Jean-Michel Frank will be provided to the buyer. CASA COMTE In the 1920s, Jean-Michel Frank and Adolphe Chanaux enjoyed immense success in the United States, leading them to develop partnerships across the Atlantic. For a time, Frances Elkins obtained exclusive distribution rights for their products, before they opted for distribution through department store chains. In other countries, such as England and Argentina, Frank's work was published by foreign manufacturers with great success. At the time, Argentina was a prosperous country and one of the biggest importers of French furniture. The Comté company, founded by Ignacio Pirovano in 1932, represented Jean-Michel Frank in Buenos Aires. Following their meeting in Paris at costume balls, Ignacio Pirovano soon began importing furniture from Frank's Parisian workshop to place in various homes and mansions in the Argentine capital. In 1936, he began negotiations with Frank to enable the Comté company to manufacture the models locally, and opened a workshop on Florida Avenue in Buenos Aires. The abundant production met with immense success, furnishing the interiors of haciendas in the interior of the country, as well as elegant villas in Mar del Plata and mansions in the capital. Casa Comté prospered until the mid-60s, when the death of its founder led to its closure.