His designs first gained widespread acclaim at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, where the ‘Style Moderne’ – later known as Art Deco – was first presented.
This writing desk of his represents the style at its most austere.
It features two recessed drawers, which blend in with the rest of the desk, and arched bronze legs, light but sturdy. It uses strong, simple shapes and opulent materials to marry modernist techniques with luxury craftsmanship.
Printz was known for collaborating with specialists in other areas (Hélène Henry in fabrics, for example) and his works have appeared in the collection of Jeanne Lanvin and the pop star Madonna.
The piece is one of three Art Deco desks currently on offer for prices of up to £900,000 at design specialist 18 Davies Street Gallery in Mayfair, London.
