- 105
Harry Bertoia
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
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Description
- 'Dandelion' Sculpture, 1966
- gold-plated stainless steel, brass tube and granite base
- 172.7 H cm. (68 in.)
gold plated stainless steel, brass, granite
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by the present owner
Literature
Domus, no. 408, November, 1963, d/186 for a relatable example
June Kompass Nelson, Harry Bertoia: Sculptor, Detroit, 1970, nos 31, 67 for relatable examples
Harry Bertoia, exh. cat., Allentown, 1975, cover, pp. 16-17
Nancy N. Schiffer and Val O. Bertoia, The World of Bertoia, Atglen, 2003, pp. 123-130 for relatable examples
In Nature’s Embrace: The World of Harry Bertoia, exh. cat., Philadelphia, 2006, covers, pp. 16, 45-46 for relatable examples
Celia Bertoia, The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia: The Man, The Artist, The Visionary, Atglen, 2015, cover, pp. 150-153 for relatable examples
June Kompass Nelson, Harry Bertoia: Sculptor, Detroit, 1970, nos 31, 67 for relatable examples
Harry Bertoia, exh. cat., Allentown, 1975, cover, pp. 16-17
Nancy N. Schiffer and Val O. Bertoia, The World of Bertoia, Atglen, 2003, pp. 123-130 for relatable examples
In Nature’s Embrace: The World of Harry Bertoia, exh. cat., Philadelphia, 2006, covers, pp. 16, 45-46 for relatable examples
Celia Bertoia, The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia: The Man, The Artist, The Visionary, Atglen, 2015, cover, pp. 150-153 for relatable examples
Condition
Overall very good condition consistent with age. Very minor isolated tarnishing to the central brass stem below the dandelion assembly.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Harry Bertoia's vision for the 'Dandelion' was realised following a visit to his native Italy where '...the warmth of the sun and the striking charm and beauty of these ancient towns... gave me a feeling that the world was actually radiating.' Unlike his 'Sound' sculptures which are constantly in flux, the 'Dandelion' is static, yet simultaneously appears in continual movement, particularly when flooded with the rays of the sun.
David Finch was employed at Knoll International Canada's as head of manufacturing from 1957 to 1967. During this time, multiple trips were made to Harry Bertoia's studio in Bally, Pennsylvania, the first of which was in 1962, establishing a close relationship between the two men. Mr. Finch originally purchased a smaller 'Dandelion' from Bertoia, which he sold to Mr. Lowell Williamson, husband of American actress Dorothy McGuire, before purchasing the lot which was executed between December 1965 and January 1966.
David Finch was employed at Knoll International Canada's as head of manufacturing from 1957 to 1967. During this time, multiple trips were made to Harry Bertoia's studio in Bally, Pennsylvania, the first of which was in 1962, establishing a close relationship between the two men. Mr. Finch originally purchased a smaller 'Dandelion' from Bertoia, which he sold to Mr. Lowell Williamson, husband of American actress Dorothy McGuire, before purchasing the lot which was executed between December 1965 and January 1966.
The lot is sold with copies of three dated, manuscript letters from Harry Bertoia to Mr. Finch describing the construction of the Dandelion, its shipment and eventual safe arrival. A copy of the export form from Harry Bertoia's studio to Mr. Finch's former residence is also included in the lot.