Armand-Albert Rateau was born in Paris in 1882. He trained at the prestigious École Boulle in Paris, excelling as an architect, interior decorator, and furniture designer.
From 1905 to 1914, he directed the decoration studio at Maison Alavoine, a renowned design firm.
In 1919, he opened his own firm, catering to a wealthy clientele. He became one of the most important designers of the Art Deco movement in France. He received commissions for French government offices, embassies, and renowned companies like Tiffany & Co.
His style was characterized by lavishness and a notable influence from oriental art.
In addition to his work for Lanvin, Rateau designed for other important figures, including the Duchess of Alba, for whom he created the furnishings for a bathroom in the Liria Palace in Madrid.
0:00 / 0:00
Style Art Deco
"The name Art Deco was assigned in the 1960s, at the exhibition "Les Années 25" held in Paris at the Museum of Decorative Arts.
The first pieces could be seen at the International Exhibition of "Decorative Arts and Modern Industry" held in Paris in 1925. This exhibition was a direct response to the Turin exhibitions of 1902 and Milan of 1906.
The Art Deco style emerged between 1920 and 1940 and is represented by symmetrical, rectilinear lines, abstract designs, and bold colors.
It featured the implementation of exotic materials such as parchment, shagreen (the skin of a small shark or ray), chrome pieces, and enamels, as well as ivory and mother-of-pearl inlays.
In contrast, Art Nouveau was more focused on asymmetrical, curved lines inspired by nature."
Share
