18th Century Commode vs Ralph Lauren 18th Century ‘Style’ Commode

Posted on by December 2, 2013

We saw this commode at Robert Deniau last weekend in the old village of Mougins. It is French, 18th century and all original. The finish is new and rustic and very similar to the Ralph Lauren line featured on Habitually Chic on September 2nd. Which do like better? Isn’t it more interesting to have a period piece?

Philippe Starck – Port Adriano, Mallorca

Posted on by December 2, 2013

Port Adriano Marina by Philip Starck

In Mallorca last week, we saw the Port Adriano marina, designed by Philip Starck and inaugurated in May.
‘It is almost invisible’, says Starck. ‘The architecture exists only on the second view. When you first arrive, you don’t notice anything and after a while you start to see’.

Philippe Starck – Port Adriano, Mallorca

Posted on by December 2, 2013

Elegant, with clean lines and original details (we love the smooth steel mooring plates), the structure fulfills Starck’s design criteria. “When I design something I try to make it so it doesn’t become obsolete in 20 years. We are stuck in a ‘Kleenex’ society and the only way to work is to create timeless design”.

Eileen Grey – Satellite hanging light (circa 1925)

Posted on by February 17, 2014

Her satellite hanging light in painted metal (circa 1925) is also a masterpiece. The shadows created on the walls and ceiling by the cones and circles are almost as stunning as the light itself.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us with inquiries.

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Angelo Mangiarotti

Posted on by January 9, 2015

In memory of Angelo Mangiarotti (26 Feb 1921 – 2 July 2012).

Mangiarotti, Italian modernist architect and designer was one of the leading figures in 20th century Italian design. A rigorous exponent of functionalism, to whom beauty and elegance were also important, Mangiarotti combined cutting-edge principles with his own unique creative vision. His vast body of work in the fields of architecture and design is rooted in his often quoted words – “Happiness comes from Correctness”.
His Eccentrico table (1979) was ground-breaking. Gravity holds up the cantilevered marble top surface which simply slots into the marble base. Transverse stability is guaranteed by the inclined leg which functions as a base. A masterpiece of simplicity and perfectly reflective of his design principles.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us with inquiries.

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Kim Moltzer and Claude Lalanne

Posted on by February 17, 2014

We love this prototype stool in bronze (c 1980) by Kim Moltzer.

It made us think of the famous ‘Choupatte’ by Claude Lalanne – the cabbage head sprouting fantastical chicken legs she created in copper and bronze. When asked how she came to create it, she said “My choupatte – it just happened like that!”. As in the long tradition of the minotaur or satyr in ancient art and mythology where man and animal are combined to create a new surreal reality, Lalanne mixes the animal and vegetable world with startling and challenging results.

We can source work by these designers for you. Contact us with inquiries.

We invite you to join our mailing list on our website: www.arte-case.com

2 The Louvre

Posted on by December 2, 2013

2 We explored various styles and periods of functional design starting with this incredible Persian bronze table top decorated with writhing snakes and torsos of divinities from whose hands water originally spouted. We love the continuity over the centuries of the fusion of functional design with decorative elements. Created over 3,500 years ago, this table would fit into a contemporary interior as well as it would have in ancient Persia.

Table ornée de serpents et de divinités aux eaux jaillissantes

Bronze

XIV Century av. J.-C.

Suse, Tell de l’Acropole

3 Louvre to Patrick Fourtin

Posted on by December 2, 2013

3 A few steps away from the Louvre in our favorite gallery tucked away behind the Palais-Royal we found two ideas for Modern seating to go with this Persian treasure in the Louvre.  Imagine these super elegant, light-as-air 1970 Maison Jansen chairs next to the massive bronze table! – oh to dream!