Collaborative Design: Vladimir Kagan and the Rosenberg Family
in Art & Design on Thursday, March 4 at 11am ONLINE
Furniture designer Vladimir Kagan was born in Germany to a cabinet making family and he learned his craft from his father. After emigrating to New York, Kagan opened his first shop in 1949 on East 57th Street. In this shop, Kagan displayed his cutting-edge designs and innovative use of materials, becoming a pioneer of modern furniture design in America.
Gallerists Elaine and Alexandre Rosenberg commissioned custom furniture directly from Kagan, both for the gallery and their home. The Rosenberg family are part of a storied line of art dealers whose history dates back to nineteenth century Paris where Alexandre Rosenberg established a gallery in 1878, selling important works by artists like Cézanne, Manet, Van Gogh and the Impressionists. His son, Paul Rosenberg, followed suit, representing modern artists such as Braque, Leger, Matisse and Picasso with galleries in Paris and London. Before long, Paul had established himself as one of the most important art dealers of his generation. With the onset of World War II, Paul emigrated to New York where he opened Paul Rosenberg & Co. on East 57thStreet. In 1946, his son Alexandre would join him in the family business. It was at the 57th Street location where Alexandre and his wife, Elaine, established their relationship with Vladimir Kagan.
The designs for the furniture they collaborated on were bright and bold in color, often further enhanced by the translucent nature of lucite supports and armrests. The creative collaboration between the Rosenbergs and Kagan would last decades, from the 1950’s through the early 1970s. Stair is pleased to offer a selection of these unique pieces from the Estate of Elaine L. Rosenberg in our March 4th Art & Design sale.
Time & Location
Art & Design
March 4 at 11am ONLINE