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Ottoman

Decorative Arts and Design

Although Francois Jourdain was known primarily as a painter, he was also an accomplished designer and a founding member of the Union des Artistes Modernes, an important group of avant-garde designers. This adjustable chair is rendered in the Art Moderne style, which is characterized by simple, bold curves. The use of exotic mahogany and cane alludes to the French colonial empire, still partially intact during this period. The chair was manufactured by Jourdain’s own firm, Les Ateliers Modernes.
MANUFACTURER Les Atelier Modernes
MEDIUM Mahogany, plant fiber
  • Place Made: France
  • DATES ca. 1928
    DIMENSIONS 11 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 25 in. (29.2 x 67.3 x 63.5 cm)  (show scale)
    MARKINGS no marks
    ACCESSION NUMBER 2006.80.2
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Frederick A. McConkey
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Ottoman of rectilinear members with each side formed by continuous front leg, back leg, and runner curving upward from back leg to front leg. Two cross stretchers supporting squared footrest of woven cane in checkerboard pattern.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Francois Jourdain (French, 1876–1958). Ottoman, ca. 1928. Mahogany, plant fiber, 11 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 25 in. (29.2 x 67.3 x 63.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frederick A. McConkey, 2006.80.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2006.80.2_view2.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.2006.80.2_view2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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    Francois Jourdain (French, 1876–1958). <em>Ottoman</em>, ca. 1928. Mahogany, plant fiber, 11 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 25 in. (29.2 x 67.3 x 63.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frederick A. McConkey, 2006.80.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2006.80.2_view2.jpg)