On the occasion of PAD Paris 2023, Anthony Vaccarello partnered with several prestigious Parisian galleries to curate a selection of vintage furniture. The exhibition, dedicated to French Art Deco & Modernist design, mainly features the work of Jean-Michel Frank. Although designed almost a century ago, the exhibition highlights the striking modernism and contemporality of Frank’s work. Additionally, pieces by Jacques Adnet and Jean Després were selected by Anthony Vaccarello, expanding the curation of modernist artists, and also including Art Deco design.

ABOUT JEAN-MICHEL FRANK

An undeniable genius whose creation was celebrated by his contemporaries, Jean-Michel Frank decorated the homes of the intellectual and artistic elite of his time and enjoyed pre-war glory. His works are radically distinguished by their minimalism, the sought-after, almost ascetic stripping of forms. The luxury and rarity of the materials mixed with new materials considered not very noble at the time constitute the other striking feature of its creation. Totally forgotten after the war, he was gradually rediscovered by dealers, historians and collectors from the 1960s. He is now one of the most expensive and sought after artists.

Yves Saint Laurent largely contributed to his rediscovery, particularly in the 60s and 70s. The record- breaking 2009 estate sale of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, also referred to as Christie’s “sale of the century”, bears witness to his passion for the work of Jean-Michel Frank. We will find in the selection the emblematic furniture such as the “Cole Porter” armchair & the parchment six-leaf screen.

ABOUT JACQUES ADNET

Architect and designer, Jacques Adnet is one of the great figures of French Modernism. He began alongside Maurice Dufrêne in the La Maîtrise workshops at Galeries Lafayette before becoming the director of the Compagnie des Arts Français for more than thirty years. Influenced by functionalism, he created strongly constructed furniture, often devoid of any decoration. A charismatic personality, he was one of the first designers to integrate glass, ceramics and metal into his work, often in collaboration with his twin brother Jean. For the traditionalism that prevails at the Compagnie des Arts Français, he substitutes a more modernist tendency, oriented towards industrial production. Around him, he brings together a team of artists such as Dufy, Paul Jouve and Serge Mouille. We will find in the selection the emblematic furniture such as a desk in leather and metal and a circa 1950 and a copper-colored metal and glass.