This Pierre Chareau sofa was originally designed in 1923 for the set of Marcel L'Herbier's film "L'inhumaine"; in 1925 it was also seen in the film "La Vertige," another film of L'Herbier. The Chareau sofa became one of the most distinctive pieces in the Maison de Verre (the home and office of Dr. and Mrs. Dulsace) along with the corresponding chair. The structure was originally covered in velvet and stuffings were covered in leather or tapestries; this couch represents the modern version of the French 19th century "canape a confident", since, with its round sides, it invites the two sitting persons to converse looking directly at one another. The Chareau armchair was used for the small blue room of the Maison de Verre.

Pierre Chareau was born in Bordeaux in 1883. As early as 1900 he began his artistic career as a student of the famous Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he focused on architecture and design. By the 1920's he was already known in the design world for his complex structures and innovative use of architectural space. Chareau began to explore an interest in Cubist space by the mid 1920's and soon after his designs became highly sculptural. He is known for his use of combining materials such as lightly hammered steel, unpolished metals, and rich mahogany.

Manufactured In Italy

Dimensions: H 28"   D 32 1/4"   W 76 1/2"