Wrought Iron

Raymond Subes (1893-1970), France.

Coffee table, circa 1935.

Wrought iron, beige, ecru, and dark brown Afghanistan jasper top.

Related work illustrated: R. Subes, Ferronnerie Moderne (Paris: Editions Vincent, Fréal et Cie., n.d. [c. 1937]).

For more information see: Art Deco, Victor Arwas, (New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1980) p. 305; Encyclopedia of Art Deco, ed. Alastair Duncan, (New York: E.P. Dutton, 1988.) p. 152, 167.

H: 19 1/3” x D: 35 1/2”

Price: $38,000

During the 1930s, Raymond Subes became one of the foremost designers of wrought iron in his native Paris. Subes studied at the Ecole Boulle and the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs before going to work for Emile Robert, a leading ironwork designer. He later became the artistic director of Borderel et Robert. At this venerable firm he created iron grills and doors for architectural commissions, many of which may still be seen all over Paris. His work was exhibited at the Paris 1925 Exhibition of Decorative Arts and he designed the wrought ironwork for the ill-fated ocean liner the Normandie. Subes’ early work was ornate and naturalistic, but gradually became more geometric and linear. This Art Deco table is a particularly lyrical example of his mature style, with its gracefully scrolling iron legs.