Johannes Itten (1888 - 1967)

burr walnut veneered, of geometrical design, each with a lower tier, on four legs

Johannes Itten;

Thence by decent.

A striking pair of good overall appearance. Minor crazing and chips to veneer in places. Slightly faded in places. Old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Of good structural condition. One or two spots of white paint in places. One with a mark to the top, possibly a burn, c.6in long. Patina slightly lighter in colour than the illustration suggests. A good design with a good provenance, and may benefit from a repolish.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Itten's photograph from 1920 portrays a man who appears to be disciplined, serious and determined. His unusual appearance might be puzzling: the shaved head of a priest, the self designed robes. But it all fits into the picture of this early master at the Bauhaus. Itten joined it in October 1919 teaching the preliminary course. His focus lay in the study of objects and materials, analysis of Old Masters and life drawing. He was aware of the newly established educational reform theory and was familiar with the artists of the avant-garde. In more practical terms this meant that he wanted his students to find their inner being and develop a well tuned personality. He started his class with breathing exercises and gymnastics and let his students decide whose work was the best. People either admired him or hated him profoundly. Nontheless he was quite rightly described as the backbone of the Bauhaus. His 'Vorkurs', the preliminary course, was continued in a very similar style even after he left the institution. It is said that it was his passion for the development of the individual which eventually led to a fall out with Walter Gropius, the director of the Bauhaus. The latter was of the opinion that commercial work was essential to keep the school alive and Itten couldn't see this go hand in hand with individualism. Itten eventually founded his own school in Berlin in 1926, known later as the Itten School. It was here that he designed the current lots for his private home.