Rating and value of furniture, tables and armchairs by Armand Albert Rateau
Key takeaways
- Rateau's works fetch millions of euros at auction; a 1921 dressing table sold for €3,053,180 in 2022.
- His furniture varies considerably in price: tables range from €260,000 to €3,053,180, armchairs from €1,500 to €200,000, and chairs from €450 to €140,800.
- A Parisian neoclassical designer (1882–1937) renowned for his mastery of sculpted bronze and foliage motifs, who ran a workshop of 200 artisans.
If you own a work by designer Armand Albert Rateau or based on his work and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Designer's rating and value
The works of Armand Albert Rateau are enjoying new success thanks to the current revival of interest in antique styles. He has quickly established himself as an art market favorite. Today, his furniture is all the rage in auction rooms and attracts a large number of collectors. His pieces are mainly traded in France and the United States. A work by Rateau can fetch millions of euros at auction. In 2022, a " Vanity table ", or dressing table, dating from 1921 sold for €3,053,180, whereas its estimate was between €954,120 and €1,431,180.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Drawing - watercolor | From €800 to €1,500 |
Chairs | From €450 to €140,800 |
Armchairs | From €1 500 to €200,000 |
Lighting | From €1,230 to €1,711,350 € |
Table | From €260,000 to €3,053,180 |
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The designer's style and technique
Armand Albert Rateau's neoclassical style was highly successful in the early 20th century. His work enjoyed a rapid and dazzling success, thanks to the elegant design of his furniture and his sense of aesthetics. He is particularly renowned for his mastery of foliage and bronze furniture.
Armand Albert Rateau, designer of antique styles
Armand Albert Rateau was born in Paris in 1882.
The young designer who was initially interested in sculpture and drawing was trained in decoration at the École Boulle, which explains his attraction to antique styles and his classical conception of furniture.
He worked for decorator Georges Hoentschel for some time, before being appointed artistic director at Alavoine et Compagnie at just 23.
In 1919, the artist chose to set up on his own in Paris. Already owning a private mansion and buoyed by the success of his furniture, he opened an almost 1,000-square-meter workshop in Levallois, employing over 200 decorating craftsmen.
Rateau had many inspirations, including Antiquity, the Orient, but also neoclassical styles. He collaborated with couturier Jeanne-Marie Lanvin, who enlightened him on the aesthetic path he should follow.
His career was prolific, and his furniture attracted numerous commissioners, driving his workshops to increasing expansion throughout his career.
He died in Paris at the age of 55.
The legacy of Armand Albert Rateau
Armand Albert Rateau left a notable legacy in the field of French design with iconic pieces rare on the market that are quite rarely found at auction, where records are multiplying. His work is characterized by great diversity and remarkable richness: armchairs, tables, desks, lamps... His creations are extremely popular in current interior design trends.
Recognizing Rateau's signature
Rateau doesn't always sign his works, which is why appraisal is important.
Expertise your property
If you own a work by Armand Albert Rateau, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling out our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.
If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each work.
Estimate in less than 24h
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Works from the same period sold at auction
Estimated 1 500 € - 2 000 €
Attributed to Jacques ADNET (1900-1984) Chest of drawers with wood structure and base sheathed in black saddle-stitched leather and imitation leather.
Estimated 3 000 - 5 000
Gaston SUISSE (1896-1988), Engraved polychrome lacquer panel on tortoiseshell lacquer background.
Estimated 10.000 - 15.000 €
Marcel COARD (1889-1974) - Pair of black patinated wrought-iron curule armchairs with oval backs.
Estimated 15.000 - 20.000 €
Charlotte PERRIAND (1903-1999) - Suite of 6 "berger" stools.
Estimated 1500 - 3000€
René Coutelle (1927-2012), console, dove model
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is Armand Albert Rateau, and what is his style?Armand Albert Rateau (1882–1937) was a leading French designer of the 20th century who trained at the École Boulle. His work is rooted in a neoclassical style characterized by elegance, aestheticism, and a masterful command of foliage motifs and bronze-carved furniture. His designs reflect a variety of influences: antiquity, the Orient, and classical styles, which are particularly refined in his tables, armchairs, and lighting fixtures.
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What is the value of Rateau furniture at auction?Prices vary considerably depending on the type of piece and its rarity. Tables command the highest prices, ranging from €260,000 to over €3 million; armchairs sell for between €1,500 and €200,000; chairs between €450 and €140,800; and light fixtures between €1,230 and €1.7 million. In 2022, a 1921 vanity table exceeded its estimate, selling for 3.05 million euros, reflecting the market’s current strong interest.
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How can you authenticate a work by Rateau?Rateau does not always sign his works, which is why a professional appraisal is essential. Request a free estimate from Auctie's: our state-certified experts and auctioneers will examine your piece and provide you with an authentication as well as an accurate estimate of its current market value, with no obligation.
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Is this the right time to sell a work by Rateau?Yes. Rateau’s designs are currently experiencing a major resurgence in interest thanks to the trend toward vintage styles in interior design. His furniture is all the rage at auction houses and is attracting many international collectors, particularly in France and the United States. It’s a favorable time to sell, with record prices being set one after another.
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How does the appraisal process work at Auctie's, and how do I sell my item?The appraisal is free and non-binding: fill out our online form, and an expert will contact you within 48 hours with an accurate valuation of your property. If you decide to sell, our specialists will guide you through the best available options to get the best price, taking into account market trends and the specific characteristics of your property.
