Harry Bertoia

Family of Oreste Bertoia, brother of the artist
Thence by descent to the present owner

June Kompass Nelson, Harry Bertoia: Sculptor, Detroit, 1970, cat. no. 54 (for a related screen executed in 1966 for the Dallas Public Library)
Nancy N. Schiffer and Val O. Bertoia, The World of Bertoia, Atglen, PA, 2003, p. 64 (for related works)

Overall very good condition. This lot was acquired by the family of Oreste Bertoia, the designers brother, on a visit to see Harry at the studio. Small in scale, this piece shows the floating plane design used to articulate many of Bertoia’s large scale installation sculptures and screens. With some surface dirt, discoloration to the metal, all of which appears inherent in the aging process of the material. Approximately four of the sculptural panels are presently lacking, some with posts remaining, and a few appear to be slightly bent as seen in the catalogue illustration. A beautiful small-scale sculptural work by the artist.
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.

This lot represents the first of two works on offer in this auction from the family of Oreste Bertoia, Harry's elder brother.  Often when visiting Bertoia, the family would acquire sculptures for their own collection.  Because of issues of transport, the works selected were usually small in scale, like the present lot.