While viewing the Artcurial Design sale which took place on 21st May we were stopped in our tracks by this sublime table (2007) by Mattia Bonetti (lot 111). Very surprisingly it didn’t find a buyer. The walnut top harmoniously blends with the acrylic base and the sinuous forms of the legs make it a wonderfully poetic piece. Looking down into the acrylic legs we were surprised to find them hollow so your eyes are drawn down into a smooth acrylic tunnel.

The stainless steel « caviar » cabinet (2005) by Maria Pergay (lot 106) is inlaid with nacre and couldn’t be more different from the Bonetti table on first glance. The cold qualities of the stainless steel stand in stark contrast to the warmth of the walnut wood of the Bonetti table. However the choice of steel serves as a foil to the elegance and enchantment of this piece, with the form and undulating legs harking back to the secretaires of the Louis XV period. The front panel with its sweeping scrolls of stainless steel is opened by a button hidden under the table top which opens to reveal an interior divided into small intimate compartments. The choice of stainless steel brings the piece straight into the 21st century.

Emmanuel Berard recently took over the direction of the superb design department at Artcurial and we were delighted to have the opportunity to discuss some of the pieces on view with him.

Mattia Bonetti table (lot 111) Unsold with an estimate of €20,000-30,000.

Maria Pergay cabinet (lot 106). Sold at €45,166 with an estimate of €35,000-45,000. The chair in the image was offered as a separate lot.

We can source works by these designers for you. Please contact us with inquiries.

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