Hector Guimard was born in 1867 in Lyon and primarily received his architectural training in Paris. Known for his famous entrances to the Paris metro, the architect-designer also created numerous furniture pieces.

For Guimard, "the decorative basis is no longer the leaf or the flower but the stem, quite simply," as he wrote himself. With simplicity and inventiveness, the decorator allowed the naturalist theme, characteristic of Art Nouveau, to flourish throughout his work. Despite the contradictions of the movement of that era, Guimard succeeded in overcoming its challenges by establishing a distinctive and recognizable style.

The artist developed a genuine reflection on architecture. In his view, every architectural construction must adhere to three key principles: the logic of construction in relation to its surroundings, harmony between the different architectural elements, and the feeling that should crown these two constants.

His woodwork is recognizable by the curved, molded forms and the raised vegetal motifs that he sought to incorporate into his furniture designs.

Although the post-war period was not prosperous for Guimard, his work is now widely recognized, and a few rare furniture pieces have secured their place in the art market. Our auctions regularly feature cast-iron pieces produced by the St. Dizier foundry, such as planters, benches, metro plaques, lighting fixtures, and, more rarely, furniture pieces, which remain exceedingly rare on the market.

Contact our expert for appraisals of Hector Guimard's works.