902/​1090

Niels Holger Rasmussen (b. Slagelse 1871, d. Copenhagen 1952, Danish architect)

A pair of stained oak Art Deco benches with carved legs mounted on profiled runner frame. Decorated with leaf motif. Loose seat cushion upholstered with light fabric with natural leather edgings. These examples made approx. 1924–1927. H. frame: 28/32 cm. H. incl. cushion: 45 cm. L. 100 cm. W. 70 cm. (2)

Provenance: The Grand Lodge-headquarters of the Danish Order of Freemasons, Blegdamsvej in Copenhagen.

“During the years 1924–1927, the Grand Lodge-headquarters of the Danish Order of Freemasons was built on Blegdamsvej in Copenhagen. The bombastic and dramatic block of a building emanates an atmosphere of well-hidden rituals - it repels, but also lures in the passersby. The house had already been designed before 1920 by Holger Rasmussen with Vilhelm Lauritzen as a collaborator. Inside, the house is rich, marvellous and exciting. In the hallway and in one of the impressive lodge halls, there are chairs and benches in the Neoclassical style. Which architect designed them cannot be determined with certainty, nor who made them; The Freemasons have been helpful in reviewing the building's accounts, but one might venture a guess of Holger Rasmussen. The entrance hall is furnished with some low, wide stools with legs that might have been inspired by M.G. Bindesbøll's table legs found at Thorvaldsen’s Museum or directly from the ancient bronze daub from Boscoreale (...). However, the painted leaf frieze suggests the first.” Literature: Mirjam Gelfer-Jørgensen [ed.]: “Herculanum paa Sjælland”, ill. p. 351, p. 352.

Auction

Design: Silver, ceramics, furniture, lamps and carpets, 10 June 2021

Category
Estimate

50,000–60,000 DKK

Price realised

Not sold