Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Place: Paris

Born: 1879

Death: 1933

Biography:

Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

, a renowned French furniture designer and interior decorator, was born in Paris in 1879. He is considered one of the most important figures in the Art Deco movement, which defined the luxury and modernity of the era. Ruhlmann's work featured sleek designs, expensive and exotic materials, and extremely fine craftsmanship.

Early Life and Career

Ruhlmann learned the business from his father, who was a successful constructor and decorator in Paris. He worked alongside painters and paper hangers in his youth and took over the family business after his father's death in 1907. Ruhlmann soon opened a second office with designer Pierre Laurent, designing and making fine furniture.

Art Deco Movement

Ruhlmann's early designs reflected influences from Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts Movements. However, his later work was heavily influenced by Venetian design during World War I. Ruhlmann used rare and expensive woods such as ebony and rosewood, coverings of sharkskin, and handles and inlays of ivory. His furniture featured simple forms without ostentation, taking up to eight months to make a single piece.

Notable Works

Some of Ruhlmann's notable works include Cabinet, created in 1928 using ivory, which showcased the elegance and sophistication of Art Deco. He also designed a monumental desk for André Tardieu, the President of the French state council, featuring a pivoting lamp and supports for a telephone. Ruhlmann's work received international attention at the Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in 1925.

Legacy

Ruhlmann's legacy extends beyond his own work, as he influenced many other designers and architects, including Raymond Delamarre. His designs can be seen in various museums, including the Musée Antoine Lécuyer and the Musée Maurice Denis, which feature an impressive collection of French post-impressionism paintings. Ruhlmann's work can also be found on https://Wikioo.org, where his designs are showcased alongside other notable artists.

• Visit the Musée Antoine Lécuyer to see Ruhlmann's work and other French post-impressionism paintings: https://Wikioo.org
• Explore the Musée Maurice Denis to discover Ruhlmann's designs and other notable artists: https://Wikioo.org
• Learn more about Ruhlmann's life and work on Wikipedia

Ruhlmann's contributions to the Art Deco movement have had a lasting impact on the world of design, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and designers today.