Jean Michel Frank Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Jean-Michel Frank, born February 28, 1895 in Paris, famous French interior designer, is known for his minimalist aesthetic and use of luxury materials in creating sophisticated yet simple furnishings. From a young age, he attended the Lycée Janson de Sailya in Paris starting in 1904 and began studying law in 1911. Read the full biography

Jean-Michel Frank, born February 28, 1895 in Paris, famous French interior designer, is known for his minimalist aesthetic and use of luxury materials in creating sophisticated yet simple furnishings. From a young age, he attended the Lycée Janson de Sailya in Paris starting in 1904 and began studying law in 1911. During the war, Frank lost his family members but, thanks to a significant inheritance, he was able to travel to Paris from 1920 to 1925. During his stay in Venice, he came into contact with the cosmopolitan society that revolved around Stravinsky and Diaghilev. Subsequently, Eugenia Errázuriz became his mentor introducing him to the stylistic models of the 18th century and its minimalist aesthetic. Although he had no formal training in design, his use of natural materials and minimalist approach were highly appreciated. He was particularly fascinated by exotic motifs, such as the use of snakeskin and sharkskin coverings. His fame spread in the 1930s when the privileged classes began to request his furniture. Jean-Michel Frank is considered one of the representatives of the Art Deco movement. His ambition was to create orderly and sober spaces, characterized by neutral shades and exotic patterns. During the 1930s, he taught design at the Paris Atelier, a school affiliated with the Parsons School of Design. On March 8, 1941, in New York City, he decided to end his life. His influence on the field of design has been notable, inspiring many contemporary designers.