Artcurial Celebrates a Century of Design

On May 27th and 28th, Artcurial celebrates design excellence with stunning auctions, echoing the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts.

The first auction is dedicated to Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Design, including the estate of Simone Prouvé, which reveals the artistic legacy of Victor, Jean, and Simone Prouvé.

On May 28th, the Italian Design auction gathers 100 iconic pieces by Max Ingrand, Gio Ponti, Piero Fornasetti...

Simone Prouvé (1931-2024) Panneau 060714, 2014 (détail) Estimation : 1 200 - 1 500 € 

Simone Prouvé (1931-2024)
Panel 060714, 2014 (détail)
Estimate: €1,200 - 1,500 

On May 27th, Artcurial is holding an exceptional sale dedicated to design and decorative arts, highlighting three generations of artists from the Prouvé family. Around sixty previously unseen lots from the estate of Simone Prouvé (1931-2024), an emblematic figure in contemporary textiles, will be auctioned. 

Trained in Sweden and Finland by some of the most renowned textile artists, Simone Prouvé quickly developed her own visual language, integrating innovative materials such as stainless steel, Kevlar, and optical fiber.

From the 1960s, she collaborated with architects to create monumental panels for public and private spaces, before becoming a pioneer of industrial weaving in the 1990s, pushing the boundaries of contemporary textiles. This auction is a unique opportunity to discover and buy her artworks.

This first auction also reveals the history of an artistic dynasty that has left a lasting mark on modern creativity. From Victor Prouvé (1858–1943), a leading figure of Art Nouveau and member of the École de Nancy, to Jean Prouvé (1901–1984), a post-war industrial design pioneer, and Simone Prouvé, an avant-garde textile artist — each generation has redefined the standards of its own field. 

Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) Bahut « tout aluminium n. 151 » Estimation : 60 000 - 80 000 € 

Jean Prouvé (1901-1984)
Bahut « tout aluminium n. 151 »
Estimate: €60,000 - 80,000 

Max Ingrand (1908-1969) Suspension mod. 2077, circa 1958 Edition Fontana Arte Estimation : 25 000 - 35 000 €

Max Ingrand (1908-1969)
Pendant light mod. 2077, circa 1958
Edition Fontana Arte
Estimate: €25,000 - 35,000

On May 28th, the Italian Design sale will celebrate the excellence of this specialty through 100 iconic creations. This sale pays tribute to Italian craftsmanship, with a particular focus on glass — a fascinating and innovative material that has left a lasting imprint on design history.

A highlight of the sale is a ceiling light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, testifying of his major influence on contemporary designers. A Dahlia floor lamp by Ingrand is also up for auction, its light beautifully revealing the satin and opaline tones of the glass.

Among the standout pieces are two rare armchairs by Franco Albini, inspired by the pieces designed for Villa Pestarini. Gio Ponti, an iconic figure of 20th-century design, also holds a prominent place with an exceptional bookcase dating back to the 1930s. This piece reflects his innovative spirit and architectural sensibility, skillfully combining functionality with elegance.

Gio Ponti (1891-1979) Bibliothèque, circa 1930 Edition Domus Nova Estimation : 10 000 - 12 000 €

Gio Ponti (1891-1979)
Bookcase, circa 1930
Edition Domus Nova
Estimate: €10,000 - 12,000

A highlight from the Italian Design auction

An exclusive preview of the Italian Design sale is being unveiled during the Salone del Mobile at Artcurial Milan. This exhibition is organized under the artistic direction of Andrea Caravita (Moschino). The pieces will then be displayed at the Hôtel Marcel Dassault in Paris, opening on May 24th.

Information

Auctions
Art Déco/Design
Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, 5pm

Scandinavian Design
Italian Design
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 4pm & 6pm

Exhibitions
Artcurial Milan
During the Salone del Mobile
Monday, April 7th – Friday, April 11th, 2025, 10 am – 7 pm
Corso Venezia, 22
IT-20121 Milan

Artcurial Paris
Friday, May 23th – Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

Contact 
Sabrina Dolla
+33 1 42 99 16 40