Harry Bertoia (Italian/American, 1915-1978) for Knoll, United States. Mid-century modern "Bird" model lounge chair, 20th century. With black metal frame and dark aubergine purple fabric upholstery.
Lot Essay:
Born in 1915 in San Lorenzo, Italy, Bertoia moved to the United States in 1930 to stay with his older brother in Detroit. He enrolled in Cass Technical High School, where he studied jewelry making, and was immediately taken with the technical and artistic aspects of the craft. Following his high school graduation, he enrolled in the Art School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts. After one year of study there, he received a scholarship to the Cranbrook Academy of Art.
At Cranbrook, he helped reopen the school?s metal shop, and became friends with many influential designers of the day, including Ray and Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Florence Knoll. These friendships helped Bertoia to break into a successful design career, creating furniture with the Eameses and Knolls for their successful companies. He began studying welding during this period, a skill that soon would become a cornerstone of his artistic practice.
Following professional success as a designer, he turned to sculpture full-time. Putting the metalworking skills gained earlier in his career to good use, he created massive metal constructions, using welded pieces to create dazzling forests of abstract forms. These works soon gained recognition throughout the art world, and he received many commissions for museums and public buildings.
Height: 36 on x width: 38 in x depth: 37 in.
Condition: The chair is structurally sound and stable. There are no visible breaks or losses to the frame or the upholstery. Light pilling throughout the upholstery. Some heavy restoration to the back. Light tarnishing to the metal components and fastenings. Dust and debris gathered throughout the recessed areas.
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