S.A.M. Tropique Table Model 503

Jean Prouvé

A brown lacquered folded steel sheet and ivory lacquered aluminum sheet "S.A.M. Tropique" model 503 table by Jean Prouvé - 1951. Dismantlable base in folded and brown "Van Dyck" lacquered steel sheet, top in ivory lacquered aluminum sheet. Rare fully metallic dismantlable model destined for tropical countries, derived from wooden or steel and wood models. It is one of the most developed table models as it is fully metallic and fully dismantlable, two key principles that reflect the peak of Jean Prouvé's research on standardisation, durability and economy. Provenance: Air France building, Brazzaville; American private collection; Artcurial Paris sale "Collecting in the Wild side", November 29, 2016, lot 76; Acquired by current owner from that sale. Bibliography: Peter Sulzer, Jean Prouvé. Complete works. Volume 3: 1944-1954, Éditions Birkäuser, Basel, 2005, similar model reproduced p. 146, n.1120.4; Patrick Seguin, Jean Prouvé, Galerie Patrick Seguin, Paris, vol. 1, 2017, similar models reproduced pp. 277, 278 and 279. Lot in temporary importation. The hammer price will be VAT excluded. 20% VAT will be added to the hammer price and buyer's premium. Upon request, this VAT can be refunded to the purchaser on presentation of written proof of exportation outside the EU.