Mirrored glass, Macassar ebony, nickel-plated metal and Lucite
France, circa 1930
Jacques Adnet (1901-1984)
French Art Deco
Classic Modernist form with tall rectangular mirror flanked by two banks of open shelves and drawers
71” x 59 ½” x 21” (height x width x depth)
Auctionata possesses a level of ownership in the present lot in whole or in part, or has an economic interest in the lot equivalent to an ownership interest

This impressive dressing table exemplifies 1930s modern style. It has a strong angular form, with tall rectangular dressing mirror as well as shaped, mirrored shelves. The stunning exotic wood grain offers a contrast to the nickel frame and mirror and the drawers feature tubular Lucite handles. It has, further, been electrified, with a contained light at the top of the mirror. Typical of Adnet’s early work, this piece excudes glamor.

The dressing table bears some wear and oxidation to the nickel frame. There are also some small areas of the silver mirror backing which have worn away, as well as some replaced mirror (which has been professionally aged to match). It measures 71” x 59 ½” x 21” (height x width x depth).

Jacques Adnet (1900-1984)

Jacques Adnet was born in Châtillon-Coligny, France and worked in the French Modernist style. Adnet was educated at the Municipal School of Design in Auxerre and at the École des Arts Décoratifs in architecture. Upon graduation, Jacques worked with his brother Jean and operated under J.J. Adnet. The Adnet’s exhibited at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. The 1925 Paris Exposition placed an emphasis on machine made objects. The machine style seen at the exposition was given the term Art Deco in the 1960s. Adnet’s pieces were executed by including glass and metal integrated with the structure and decoration of the furniture. Later in his career, Adnet became the director of École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in 1970.