Sculptor, furniture and jewelry designer, graphic artist and metalsmith, Harry Bertoia was one of the great cross-disciplinarians of 20th-century art and design and a central figure in American mid-century modernism. Among furniture aficionados, Bertoia is known for his chairs such as the wire-lattice Diamond chair (and its variants such as the tall-backed Bird chair) designed for Knoll Inc. and first released in 1952.
As an artist, he is revered for a style that was his alone. Bertoia’s metal sculptures are by turns expressive and austere, powerful and subtle, intimate in scale and monumental. All embody a tension between the intricacy and precision of Bertoia’s forms and the raw strength of his materials: steel, brass, bronze and copper.
Fortune seemed to guide Bertoia’s artistic development. Born in northeastern Italy, Bertoia immigrated to the United States at age 15, joining an older brother in Detroit. He studied drawing and metalworking in the gifted student program at Cass Technical High School. Recognition led to awards that culminated, in 1937, in a teaching scholarship to attend the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Bloomfield Hills, one of the great crucibles of modernism in America.
At Cranbrook, Bertoia made friendships — with architect Eero Saarinen, designers Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Schust Knoll and others — that shaped the course of his life. He taught metalworking at the school, and when materials rationing during World War II limited the availability of metals, Bertoia focused on jewelry design. He also experimented with monotype printmaking, and 19 of his earliest efforts were bought by the Guggenheim Museum.
In 1943, he left Cranbrook to work in California with the Eameses, helping them develop their now-famed plywood furniture. (Bertoia received scant credit.) Late in that decade, Florence and Hans Knoll persuaded him to move east and join Knoll Inc. His chairs became and remain perennial bestsellers. Royalties allowed Bertoia to devote himself full-time to metal sculpture, a medium he began to explore in earnest in 1947.
By the early 1950s Bertoia was receiving commissions for large-scale works from architects — the first came via Saarinen — as he refined his aesthetic vocabulary into two distinct skeins. One comprises his “sounding sculptures” — gongs and “Sonambient” groupings of rods that strike together and chime when touched by hand or by the wind. The other genre encompasses Bertoia’s naturalistic works: abstract sculptures that suggest bushes, flower petals, leaves, dandelions or sprays of grass.
As you will see on these pages, Harry Bertoia was truly unique; his art and designs manifest a wholly singular combination of delicacy and strength.
Find vintage Harry Bertoia sculptures, armchairs, benches and other furniture and art on 1stDibs.
Chairs By Bertoia (Knoll Marketing Brochure/Poster)
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll, Herbert Matter
Located in New York, NY
Marketing poster/brochure for Harry Bertoia’s line of sculptural steel wire mesh-and-rod chairs for Knoll Associates, published in 1957. Graphic design by Herbert Matter. Folded in e...
Paper
An inscribed copy of Harry Bertoia's "Sculptor"
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice inscribed copy of June Kompass Nelson's book "Harry Bertoia , Sculptor"
Paper
$300
H 2.5 in W 11.5 in D 2 in
Collectible "Knoll" Tractor Trailer Truck Toy with Original Box by Winross USA
By Knoll
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and collectible "Knoll" diecast tractor trailer truck toy with original box by Winross USA of Rochester, NY, circa 1980's. This is new old stock and appears to have never ...
Metal
$499Sale Price|35% Off
H 6.5 in W 9.65 in D 0.2 in
Antique Brochure Weapon Catalogue for Pietro Beretta, Published in 1906
Located in Langweer, NL
An original 1906 brochure catalogue for Pietro Beretta. A detailed catalogue offering many weapons available to purchase at the time. Incredibly rare, only a few later catalogues off...
Paper
$3,000
H 1.88 in W 2.32 in D 0.1 in
Bertoia Foundation Sterling Silver Gong Style Pendant Designed by Harry Bertoia
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
This is a hand-hammered reproduction of a rare design that Harry Bertoia did at the Bertoia Studio in the 1970s, Bertoia toyed with creating a complete line of jewelry since the 1940...
Sterling Silver
$1,323Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.55 in W 12.6 in D 11.23 in
Rare Knoll International Vintage Catalogue, Early 1980s
By Knoll
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and striking vintage catalogue from Knoll International, dating back to the early 1980s. This substantial hardcover edition, bound in elegant fabric, comprises 90 richly desig...
Metal
Knoll International Catalogs
By Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a captivating collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. This carefully curated assortment showcases the iconic furniture designs and timeless style that have made Knoll a revered name in the industry. Each catalog in this collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Knoll, featuring a range of beautifully photographed interiors, furniture arrangements, and detailed product descriptions. Immerse yourself in the mid-century modern aesthetic, as these catalogs transport you to an era of sleek lines, organic forms, and innovative design concepts. Discover the vision of legendary designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia, whose iconic creations are showcased within these pages. Explore the iconic Barcelona Chair, the elegant Tulip Table, or the sculptural Diamond Chair, among many other timeless masterpieces that have defined Knoll's legacy. As you peruse these vintage catalogs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that Knoll is renowned for. The catalogs offer insights into the design philosophies behind each piece, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the ideas that shaped these iconic designs. This collection is not only a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts but also a visual delight for anyone passionate about mid-century modern aesthetics. The catalogs serve as a source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, and collectors seeking to create spaces that exude elegance, sophistication, and enduring style. Each catalog has been meticulously preserved, showcasing the original graphics, typography, and design elements that capture the essence of the era. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage design, this collection of vintage Knoll catalogs is a rare treasure that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of design history. Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most influential design companies in the world. Immerse yourself in the golden age of modern design and be inspired by the timeless creations that continue to shape the aesthetic landscape even today. A wonderful collection of twelve Knoll International...
Paper
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human o...
Paper
$5,900
H 11.38 in W 15.38 in D 1 in
SCHULZ - Peanuts Jubilee - FIRST EDITION INSCRIBED WITH A DRAWING OF SNOOPY !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: SCHULZ, Charles. TITLE: Peanuts Jubilee. My Life and Art With Charlie Brown and Others. PUBLISHER: NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION INSCRIBED WITH A DRAWING. 1 vol., 15-3/8" x 11-3/8", illustrated, inscribed on the half-title "For B. J. with every best wish - Charles M. Schulz" with the addition of a large full body sketch of Snoopy, hardcover, original stamped silver boards. CONDITION: Inner and outer hinges fine, mild general handling to covers, foredge of rear pastedown and endpaper worn, internally clean and bright, overall VERY GOOD. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: "B.J." is B.J. Thomas best...
Paper
Lino Tagliapietra: Sculptor in Glass
Located in New York, NY
The most comprehensive monograph available on the greatest living glassblower, Lino Tagliapietra. Lino Tagliapietra has been described as the worl...
Paper
Vintage 1980s Knoll Furniture Metal Truck
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fun Knoll Furniture miniature die-case truck made by Winross. Given to Knoll's vendors as a gift, it is a 1:64 scale model with removable cab and trailer with metal and plastic pa...
Metal
Great Women Sculptors
Located in New York, NY
A celebration of more than 300 groundbreaking women sculptors that surveys 500 years of creative ingenuity from around the world Presenting a more expansive and inclusive history of sculpture, Great Women Sculptors surveys the work of more than 300 trailblazing artists from over 60 countries, spanning 500 years from the Renaissance to the present day. Organized alphabetically, each artist is represented by an image and newly commissioned text. This wide-ranging survey champions the best-known women sculptors from art history alongside today’s rising stars. From more recognizable names such as Camille Claudel, Gego, Barbara Hepworth, and Yayoi Kusama to some of today’s most significant contemporary artists including Huma Bhaba, Mona Hatoum, and Simone Leigh, this book showcases 500 years of sculptural creativity in one accessible, visually stunning volume. Artists featured, in A–Z order by surname: Magdalena Abakanowicz; Alice Adams; Kelly Akashi; Jane Alexander; Shaikha Al Mazrou; Olga de Amaral; Janine Antoni; Ruth Asawa; Tauba Auerbach; Ghazaleh Avarzamani; Alice Aycock; Margarita Azurdia; Leilah Babirye; Nairy Baghramian; Natalie Ball; Rina Banerjee; Fiona Banner aka The Vanity Press; Rosa Barba; Phyllida Barlow; Yto Barrada; Mária Bartuszová; Rana Begum; Nina Beier; Patricia Belli; Lynda Benglis; Lauren Berkowitz; Sarah Bernhardt; Huma Bhabha; Alexandra Bircken; Cosima von Bonin; Monica Bonvicini; Chakaia Booker; Louise Bourgeois; Carol Bove; Beverly Buchanan...
Paper
Childs Size Wire Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A staple design from famous designer Harry Bertoia for Knoll. A child’s Size wire side chair. Great for indoor or outdoor use. Your kid will definitely have the coolest chair on the ...
Metal
$60,000
H 5.5 in W 4 in D 0.6 in
Harry Bertoia Hand-Forged Silver, Ebony and Silver Wire Pendant, USA 1942
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
This early wire wrapped pendant was likely made by Harry Bertoia while he was at Cranbrook.
Silver
Form Magazine, October 1953 (Harry Bertoia Cover)
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Founded in 1905, FORM is one of the world’s oldest magazines on design and architecture in continuous publication. In their own words: “FORM is the leading Swedish publication dealing with furniture and interior decoration, textiles, pottery, glass, metal work, etc. It is published by Svenska Slöjdföreningen, the Swedish Society of Industrial Design whose aim is the improvement of design in industry and handicrafts and the consideration of housing and furnishing problems including their social aspect.” Issue number 10 from 1953, which has a cover photomontage showing Harry Bertoia working on his famous wire chair for Knoll, includes a long article on Design in America, featuring work by Alvin Lustig, Henry Dreyfuss, SOM, Charles and Ray Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, Ruth Adler, Ruth Asawa, Laverne Originals, Bob Winston...
Paper
Sold
H 11 in W 8.5 in D 1 in
July 1961 Playboy Magazine f/t Masters of Midcentury Design Eames Saarinen
By Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ever laugh when someone said, “I only read Playboy for the articles”? You won’t anymore. Up for sale is the July 1961 edition of Playboy Magazine. The Centerfold is nice, but the magazine’s real beauty is the spread on the masters of midcentury design — Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, Edward Wormley, George Nelson and Jens Risom. It is a wonderful profile on the movement that broke the Maxim “form follows function,” written by John Anderson, then the editor of Interior magazine. Their’s was a generation of designers interested in the contour, shape and elegance of furniture, and one that created some of the 20th century’s most timeless pieces. Don’t worry, the nude pictures aren’t so naughty. There’s only one naked lady, in addition to some suggestive photos in an article about a Paris cabaret, and a few lewd cartoons. (I included a picture of the centerfold, properly covered, with this listing). Most current issues of Vanity Fair are more racy than this old Playboy. I was surprised to see that this old edition is quite sophisticated, compared to the more juvenile bent of the contemporary version. About 3% of the magazine is devoted to girls. Other interesting articles in this issue include an essay by Arthur C. Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey) entitled Machina ex Duex about the “coming obsolescence of man” in the “golden age of the machine”; a roundtable discussion on sex and censorship, featuring Norman Mailer and Judge Thurman Arnold (former law partner of Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas and a federal appeals court judge in his own right); and a profile of modern day Jazz singers. It will make you nostalgic for the 1960s. The Eero Saarinen Armchair...
Paper
Sold
H 11 in W 8.5 in D 1 in
July 1961 Playboy Magazine f/t Masters of Mid-Century Design Eames Saarinen
By Charles Eames, Harry Bertoia, Eero Saarinen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ever laugh when someone said, “I only read Playboy for the articles”? You won’t anymore. Up for sale is the July 1961 edition of Playboy Magazine. The Centerfold is nice, but the magazine’s real beauty is the spread on the masters of midcentury design — Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, Edward Wormley, George Nelson and Jens Risom. It is a wonderful profile on the movement that broke the Maxim “form follows function,” written by John Anderson, then the editor of Interior magazine. Their’s was a generation of designers interested in the contour, shape and elegance of furniture, and one that created some of the 20th century’s most timeless pieces. Don’t worry, the nude pictures aren’t so naughty. There’s only one naked lady, in addition to some suggestive photos in an article about a Paris cabaret, and a few lewd cartoons. (I included a picture of the centerfold, properly covered, with this listing). Most current issues of Vanity Fair are more racy than this old Playboy. I was surprised to see that this old edition is quite sophisticated, compared to the more juvenile bent of the contemporary version. About 3% of the magazine is devoted to girls. Other interesting articles in this issue include an essay by Arthur C. Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey) entitled Machina ex Duex about the “coming obsolescence of man” in the “golden age of the machine”; a roundtable discussion on sex and censorship, featuring Norman Mailer and Judge Thurman Arnold (former law partner of Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas and a federal appeals court judge in his own right); and a profile of modern day Jazz singers. It will make you nostalgic for the 1960s. The Eero Saarinen Armchair...