Comte, Argentina Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Comte (1932-1960) was one of the most influential designers, manufacturers and importers of furniture and decorative objects in Argentina during the mid-20th century. His activity focused on the production of 19th and 20th century English and French style furniture. Read the full biography

Comte (1932-1960) was one of the most influential designers, manufacturers and importers of furniture and decorative objects in Argentina during the mid-20th century. His activity focused on the production of 19th and 20th century English and French style furniture. Founded in 1932 by Ignacio Pirovano, his brother Ricardo Pirovano and architects José Enrique Tívoli and Mariano Mansilla Moreno, the Comte company was later joined by Celina Pirovano, also an architect and wife of Ricardo Pirovano. Comte's main prominent figure was Ignacio Pirovano, who found inspiration in Jean-Michel Frank, whom he met in 1920 during his frequent trips to Paris, where he had his gallery. Ricardo Pirovano took on the role of company president, managing the administrative side of the company. In the first four years of business, Comte was located on Avenida Roque Sáenz Peña, dedicated to the importation, production and sale of high-quality furniture and decorative accessories, including many pieces of European origin, intended for its high-class clientele in the society of Buenos Aires. On March 30, 1936, the company moved to Calle Arenales 1079, signing an exclusive agreement with Jean-Michel Frank to produce its models in the country. The French designer held the role of artistic director of the company for an indefinite period. During this time, the company specialized in the production of furniture, decorations, carpets, boiserie and everything related to the preparation of important works for large state bodies, public and private companies, both national and foreign. On 27 April 1942, Comte was officially incorporated as a joint-stock company, with a share capital of $600,000. In that year, the company occupied impressive premises on Calle Florida, where it remained until the end of 1954, the year in which it moved its commercial headquarters to Calle Deán Funes, where it also had its own industrial plant. The business closed permanently in the 1960s after the death of one of its founders, Ricardo Pirovano.