Maurice Dufrène pair of armchairs, gilded wood, brown velvet, 1925.

Very elegant pair of armchairs model Clématite, designed in 1925 by Maurice Dufrène for the workshops of La Maîtrise, the decorative arts department of Galeries Lafayette, where he was then the artistic director. This iconic model perfectly illustrates the Art Deco aesthetic of the mid-1920s, where line takes precedence over ornamentation. The backrest and armrests create a continuous, enveloping curve reminiscent of a floral corolla, while the balanced proportions give the whole piece a sculptural and refined presence. The gilded wooden structure elegantly highlights the design of the furniture and enhances the architectural reading of the piece. The bench rests on tapered, slightly curved legs, typical of the formal vocabulary developed by Dufrène, combining French tradition with decorative modernity. The generous seat and tufted backrest ensure great comfort, reinforced by a thick velvet fabric that subtly contrasts with the gilding of the structure. This Clématite model reflects Maurice Dufrène's central role within La Maîtrise, where he worked to democratise elegant, legible, and coherent furniture, intended for both prestigious interiors and the grand decorative ensembles of the time. This pair of armchairs has been fully restored, regilded, and reupholstered, and is in museum condition. A sofa from the same line is also available, for a complete living room set. Literature: La Maîtrise of Galeries Lafayette, artistic director Maurice Dufrène, Hors concours - All classes exhibition of decorative arts of 1925, page 18.