JOAN BUSQUETS I JANÉ (Barcelona, 1874 - 1949). Pair of modernist armchairs, ca. 1900. Walnut

JOAN BUSQUETS I JANÉ (Barcelona, 1874 - 1949).
Pair of modernist armchairs, ca. 1900.
Walnut, mahogany, Hungarian ash, marquetry of 15 fruit woods and mother-of-pearl.
Stamped.
Bibliography: J. Mainar, "El moble català " (Barcelona: Ajuntament, Museu d'Art de Catalunya, 1976).
Measurements: 165 x 58 x 75 cm.
The armchairs follow a structure that combines the medieval-inspired throne typical of neo-Gothic with gently curved forms that refer directly to Rococo, but which are nevertheless used only as profiles, without being a direct reference. Thus, the carvings that adorn the legs, sides, arms and top are undoubtedly Gothic in origin, three-lobed thistle leaves similar to those that adorn the sofa. Like the main piece of furniture, these armchairs have quilted upholstery, and a flat top decorated with floral marquetry, surmounted by a pediment with trefoil leaves. This is first-rate furniture within Catalan Modernisme, given that it was produced by one of the best workshops of the time, as well as for the perfection and meticulousness with which each of its pieces was made.
A furniture designer and decorator, Joan Busquets is currently considered one of the most representative figures of Catalan Modernisme. He began his training in the family workshop and then went on to study at the Llotja School in Barcelona, where his teachers were Guitart and Lostaló. In the academic year 1895-96 he was awarded a scholarship that enabled him to travel around Spain, which he obtained thanks to a project for a Renaissance-style cupboard-bookcase. He exhibited furniture projects for the first time at the Barcelona Exhibition of 1896. Joan Busquets' workshop was one of the most outstanding in Modernista Catalonia and is today, together with the production of Gaspar Homar, the most representative example of Catalan Modernista furniture and decoration. He was president of the Foment de les Arts Decoratives between 1918 and 1921, and supervised the manufacture of the furniture for Gaudà 's Casa Calvet. Works by Busquets can currently be found in the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Güell Palace in Barcelona, the National Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Catalan Modernism in Barcelona, among others, as well as in various important private collections.