Mario DalFabbro

Recent Sculptures by Mario DalFabbro, The Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, PA, September 8-October 1, 1972

Overall in very good original condition. With minor scratches and one isolated area with scratches to one of the protruding elements. One minor small crack with associated lifting along on the seams to the underside, which is not visible when sculpture is upright. Surface dirt throughout. Surface is slightly tacky to touch and some of the surface dirt has become embedded in the wax on the surface, which give the pieces a slightly hazy appearance as visible in the catalogue illustration. One edge of the base with adhesive residue where a label was once placed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

To today’s connoisseur of mid-century modern design, Mario DalFabbro is best known as the author of several seminal books, including Modern Furniture and Furniture for Modern Interiors, which have become valuable period references. In the 1950’s and 60’s, DalFabbro was also well known as a designer of contract furniture for both American and Italian manufacturers, and as a behind-the-scenes consultant for such firms as Knoll and Paul McCobb Design Associates. His skill in technical drawing resulted in how-to books such as How to Build Modern Furniture and Upholstered Furniture, which were translated into numerous languages. Born in Treviso, Italy in 1913, he frequently exhibited his furniture in Milan in the late 1930s and 1940s, before moving to the United States in 1948.  

 

But DalFabbro’s passion was sculpture, and starting in 1968 he began exhibiting his work in the Northeast, his native Italy and Brazil. Although he won numerous awards, he refused to part with any of his sculpture and sculpted furniture, with the exception of museum acquisitions and trades with fellow artists, including Harry Bertoia, from whom DalFabbro received the sounding sculpture (Lot 115) in exchange for one of his own works.  The present lot, Archaic Construction, is one of his masterworks, and has remained in his family until now. This is the first time that any of DalFabbro’s work has appeared at auction.