André Arbus, born in 1903, was an influential French designer, decorator, and interior architect, considered a key figure in the transition from Art Deco to post-war modern design in France.
Coming from a family of cabinetmakers and furniture manufacturers in Toulouse, Arbus trained in the family workshop, which gave him a deep knowledge of materials and artisanal techniques.
He began his career exhibiting his creations at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs in the 1920s. He became one of the most sought-after designers by the Parisian bourgeoisie.
His creations are distinguished by their clean lines, pure volumes, and a simplicity that borders on minimalism, without ever losing sophistication.
He used precious woods such as ebony, rosewood, and sycamore, often combined with bronze, leather, parchment, and plaster.
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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."
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