1920s and 1930s Paris, France.
The Grand Salon by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Period Photograph c1925
Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1879 – 1933) was known to be the leading French furniture maker of his time. At the height of his career, he developed a unique modern way of interpreting classical styles and was renowned for his craftsmanship and use of exotic materials.
The Grand Salon - “of The Hôtel d'un Collectionneur” on display at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes was considered the most ambitious project by an individual designer and the most acclaimed display in the exhibition.
Conceived by Ruhlmann, Pierre Patout designed this pavilion, with a vast oval room, the Grand Salon, as its focal point. Ruhlmann brought together many leading artists and designers to decorate the Salon. Its sumptuous decoration, rich use of color and elegant modernism led many critics to consider the Grand Salon the greatest achievement of French Art Deco. Several works from the interior, including Jean Dupas' painting Les Perruches, have become Art Deco icons.
Many international exhibitions helped promote Art Deco, but none was more important than the Paris Exhibition of 1925. The Exposition was dedicated to the display of modern decorative arts and brought together thousands of designs from all over Europe and beyond. With over 16 million visitors, it marked the high point of of Art Deco up to that time.
This rare photograph shows a major section of the room, capturing its individual aspects as well as the beauty of its totality.