Royčre Redux

NEW YORK—Sonnabend Gallery’s tribute this month to Jean Royère is not only the first U.S. solo show of the late 20th-century French designer’s work but also his largest-ever retrospective, besting even the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ 1999–­2000 homage in Paris. Co-curators Patrick Seguin and Jacques Lacoste, both Paris-based gallerists, spent three years searching private collections and auctions for many of the 80 pieces, which are displayed in vignettes employing the bright colors and funky fabrics Royère favored, courtesy of the Parisian architect-designer India Mahdavi. All but 12 pieces are for sale. Highlights include the canopied Starlette bed, for $150,000; Eiffel Tower furniture and lamps in metal, brass and black opaline (a pedestal table is priced at $180,000); and an exceptional ensemble in fine straw marquetry worked with tiny stars (a rare desk from this set can be purchased for about $350,000). Of course, the designer’s iconic Egg chairs (€120–140,000; $176–206,000 for a pair) and Polar Bear seating (€360–400,000; $529—588,000 for a pair of armchairs) are on offer as well. The show is on view through April 12.

"Royère Redux" originally appeared in the April 2008 issue of Art+Auction. For a complete list of articles from this issue available on ARTINFO, see Art+Auction's April 2008 Table of Contents.