BERTOIA: The Sonambient Barn Collection

BERTOIA: The Sonambient Barn Collection

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 22. Untitled (Spill Cast Sculpture).

Property from the Bertoia Family and Harry Bertoia Foundation, Sold to Benefit the Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné Project

Harry Bertoia

Untitled (Spill Cast Sculpture)

Auction Closed

December 7, 11:26 PM GMT

Estimate

25,000 - 35,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Property from the Bertoia Family and Harry Bertoia Foundation, Sold to Benefit the Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné Project

Harry Bertoia

Untitled (Spill Cast Sculpture)


circa 1963

bronze

53 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 8 in. (135.3 x 29.8 x 20.3 cm)

Bertoia developed the spill cast technique in the early 1960s while creating studies for the Dulles International Airport commission.  In the less than two minutes before molten bronze hardens, Bertoia would stir and manipulate the metal with long-handed tools, keeping a safe distance from the 2000-degree liquid.  The present lot was created by pouring the molten bronze into a framed sandbox and working it quickly to create wild textures that simulate the intense forces of nature.  This sculpture marked the path through the woods surrounding the Sonambient Barn.  It was exhibited at the opening of the Knoll Showrooms in Amsterdam.