Groenekan, Netherlands, c. 1970, beechwood, laminated wood, veneered, the edges partly lacquered white, marked H. G. M/G. A. v. d. Groenekan/DE BILT NEDERLANDS, height 105 cm, length 200 cm, depth 46 cm. (DR)
Literature: M. Küper - I. Zijl, Gerrit Rietveld. The Complete Work, Utrecht 1992, pp. 78-79 -A. Duncan, Modernism, moderniste design 1880-1940, Woodbridge 1998, pp. 148-49 - Gerrit Rietveld: A Centenary Exhibition. Craftsman & Visionary, Barry Friedman Gallery, New York 1988, pp. 30-31 (comparable model).
This sideboard numbers among the most important furniture designs of the De Stijl movement. The original from 1919, executed in oak, was purchased by the architect Piet Elling. It was destroyed in a fire and has not survived. In 1951 Van de Groenkan produced an example under the supervision of Gerrit Rietveld for the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Subsequently, another ten sideboards were produced in Van de Groenkan"™s workshop, including the present one. Later on, Cassina wanted to market a series production. However, this turned out to be too expensive, so that the plan was dropped.
Provenance: private collection, Netherlands, bought in 1991

With a statement by G. van de Graoenekan, dated 23. November 1991 which says that the sideboard was made in 1973.