C. Plumet & T. Selmersheim, Iris Salon Suite, Art Nouveau Furniture

Charles Plumet (1861–1928) & Tony Selmersheim (1871–1971)
"Iris" – Exceptional Art Nouveau Salon Suite

A magnificent and rare Art Nouveau salon suite in molded and finely carved mahogany by Charles Plumet and Tony Selmersheim. The openwork iris motif, a floral emblem of the style, reflects the high level of refinement in the wood craftsmanship. The ensemble consists of a settee, two armchairs, and four chairs — including two classic models and two so-called "music chairs," slightly different in design.

The green silk upholstery embroidered with irises is original (except for the replaced trims), and remarkably well preserved for an unrestored set. Each piece bears, under the seat, the stamp "Au Bon Marché / Maison Aristide Boucicaut / Tapisserie Ameublement", attesting to its prestigious provenance.

Tony Selmersheim, a renowned cabinetmaker of the Art Nouveau movement, partnered around 1895 with architect Charles Plumet, who had trained in the studio of Eugène Bruneau. By 1893, Plumet had already completed several notable buildings in Paris, likely around the time of their meeting. Together, they founded a firm dedicated to the revival of architecture and the decorative arts, actively contributing to the reform of applied arts at the end of the 19th century.

The stamp of Le Bon Marché — the famous department store founded in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut and his wife Marguerite — further enhances the historical significance of the piece. Described as a “cathedral of modern commerce” and a “temple of the fine arts,” Le Bon Marché played a major role in the dissemination of refined taste and avant-garde design.

Provenance: Private collection, formerly housed at the Hôtel Majestic, Nice.

Dimensions :

H.: 95 - W.: 122 - D.: 54 cm (sofa)
H.: 95 - W.: 60 - D.: 62 cm (armchairs)
H.: 92 - W.: 45 - D.: 41 cm (chairs)