Rating and value of chairs, tables and desks by Jean Prouvé

Created in 1934 by architect and designer Jean Prouvé (1901-1984), the "metropole" or "standard" chair is inspired by the human anatomy. Considered an icon of industrial design, the Metropole chair is distinguished by its minimalist aesthetic and light yet sturdy structure.

If you own a chair by or based on the work of designer Jean Prouvé and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can help. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your furniture, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Then, if you want to sell your item, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to get the best price for it.

Rating and value of the Jean Prouvé chair 

Jean Prouvé's chair is a recognized and iconic piece of design, part of the precious heritage of French design.

Today, it is attracting a great deal of interest on the market, alongside other Prouvé creations. Highly prized by collectors, Jean Prouvé chairs can fetch record prices of several hundred thousand euros. A case in point is the standard chair lot sold for €150,000 at Christie's in 2020.

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Jean Prouvé and his iconic chair 

Jean Prouvé was a 20th-century French architect and designer. His creations contributed greatly to the development of architecture and industrial design in his century. His innovative use of steel, sheet metal and wood marked his career and contributed to his international recognition.  

After training as a wrought-iron worker, Prouvé applied his skills and knowledge of metal materials to the creation of furniture and functional objects. His creations are characterized by their modern aesthetics, structural simplicity and high functionality.

In 1931, the architect founded Ateliers Jean Prouvé in Nancy, where he developed numerous architectural and design projects. The city has become emblematic of Prouvé's legacy, and his significant contribution to the region's architecture has earned him lasting recognition.

In the 1930s, Jean Prouvé introduced his first chair models to the market. After extensive research into office chairs, in 1934 he presented his first creation: the famous "standard chair" or "metropole", designed for the Cité Universitaire in Nancy. This chair is based on human anatomy, with the aim of being stable, solid, economical and well thought-out. It is specifically designed to avoid oscillations that could lead to deformations.

The "standard" chair stands out for its innovation and thoughtful design. At the time, it represented a significant breakthrough. Prouvé took into account the fact that it was the back legs that bore most of the weight, as they supported the torso. So he designed the back legs differently, making them thick, in steel and sheet metal, while the front legs are light and thin, in metal. The chair is thus distinguished by its sturdy, thick rear legs, which contrast with those at the front.

Versatile, this chair model is just as suitable for use in academic and professional establishments as it is for domestic use. 

Appraising your property

If you own a Jean Prouvé chair, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling out our online form. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your Prouvé chair.

If you're thinking of 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 item.