Monumental Harry Bertoia Silver Necklace, Bertoia Catalogue Raisonne D.JE.49
About the Item
- Creator:Harry Bertoia (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Width: 12.75 in (32.39 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1943-1945
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7781237068592
Harry Bertoia
Sculptor, furniture and jewelry designer, graphic artist and metalsmith, Harry Bertoia was one of the great cross-disciplinarians of 20th-century art and design and a central figure in American modernism. Among furniture aficionados he is known for the wire-lattice Diamond chair (and its variants such as the tall-backed Bird chair) designed for Knoll Inc. and first released in 1952. As an artist, Bertoia is revered for a style that was his alone. Bertoia’s metal sculptures are by turns expressive and austere, powerful and subtle, intimate in scale and monumental. All embody a tension between the intricacy and precision of Bertoia’s forms and the raw strength of his materials: steel, brass, bronze and copper.
Fortune seemed to guide Bertoia’s artistic development. Born in northeastern Italy, Bertoia immigrated to the United States at age 15, joining an older brother in Detroit. He studied drawing and metalworking in the gifted student program at Cass Technical High School. Recognition led to awards that culminated, in 1937, in a teaching scholarship to attend the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Bloomfield Hills, one of the great crucibles of modernism in America. There, Bertoia made friendships — with architect Eero Saarinen, designers Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Schust Knoll and others — that shaped the course of his life. He taught metalworking at Cranbrook, and when materials rationing during World War II limited the availability of metals, Bertoia focused on jewelry design. He also experimented with monotype printmaking, and 19 of his earliest efforts were bought by the Guggenheim Museum.
In 1943, he left Cranbrook to work in California with the Eameses, helping them develop their now-famed plywood furniture. (Bertoia received scant credit.) Late in that decade, Florence and Hans Knoll persuaded him to move east and join Knoll Inc. His chairs became, and remain, perennial bestsellers. Royalties allowed Bertoia to devote himself full-time to metal sculpture, a medium he began to explore in earnest in 1947.
By the early 1950s Bertoia was receiving commissions for large-scale works from architects — the first came via Saarinen — as he refined his aesthetic vocabulary into two distinct skeins. One comprises his “sounding sculptures” — gongs and “Sonambient” groupings of rods that strike together and chime when touched by hand or by the wind. The other genre encompasses Bertoia’s naturalistic works: abstract sculptures that suggest bushes, flower petals, leaves, dandelions or sprays of grass. As you will see on these pages, Harry Bertoia was truly unique; his art and designs manifest a wholly singular combination of delicacy and strength.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Detroit, MI
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Rare Harry Bertoia Sterling Silver Brooch "Ginko Leaves" ca. 1940sBy Harry BertoiaLocated in Bloomfield Hills, MIAn extremely rare Harry Bertoia sterling silver brooch "Ginko Leaves." The brooch has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.77. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The Brooch measures: 2.94 " long x 1.5 " wide x .30 " deep. Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The brooch and closure are all handcrafted and the clasp is his unique design. The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry. Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace “Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement. So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms? Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.” Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Extremely RareHarry Bertoia Necklace Sterling Silver Lapis Coral ca. 1940By Harry BertoiaLocated in Bloomfield Hills, MIExtremely rare combination pendant attached to custom-made chain by Harry Bertoia in sterling silver, containing one Lapis Lazuli and one Coral. This piece comes from a private collection. Provenance will accompany the piece. The work has been added to the Harry Bertoia Catalogue Raisonné and assigned the following catalogue raisonné number: D.JE.78. Although associated with Mid-Century Modern furniture, Harry Bertoia was originally a jewelry designer who used both sterling silver, precious stones and gem stones. The pendant measures: 1.25" long x 1" wide. The necklace measures: 11" length with a measurement of 22" overall length. The chain and closure are all handcrafted and in his unique design. Lapis Lazuli measures 20mm round supported by one 6 mm red coral. Total weight is 33 grams. The following is from Beverly H. Twitchell, PhD, author of Bertoia: The Metalworker, London: Phaidon, 2019. She provides a very informative critique of Bertoia and his jewelry. Wearable Art an Important Design for a Necklace “Before Harry Bertoia enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1937 he had already mastered traditional jewelers’ techniques, but his engagement with Modernism led him to invent and use more direct methods. Instead of precious metals and gems, Bertoia made jewelry that appealed through its design, craftsmanship and the nature of its materials. That approach would make Bertoia a direct predecessor of the American Studio Crafts movement. So complex and cumulative are human perception and memory that we often do not know from where our own ideas come and without firm evidence, it is impossible to think we can establish the origins of an artist’s ideas. While his jewelry is entirely modern, chokers with multiple small pendants had come from ancient Mediterranean cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Italy, even from Europe and America at the turn of the last century. Did Bertoia see works in books, journals or at the Detroit Institute of Arts that resonated with him or did he invent this on his own, as he would so many other forms? Bertoia found inspiration in nature from an early age on a small farm in Italy and later in Cranbrook’s woods, on the beaches of southern California and in the fields near his home in eastern Pennsylvania where he lived after 1950. The fluidity and motion of the his jewelry characterize much of his art. In that spirit, too, he made jewelry that suited human anatomy and was animated by its wearer’s movement. Bertoia had the instincts of an engineer, as the intricacy of the present lot’s clasp and overall construction of the jewelry demonstrates. Large jewelry by Bertoia is very rare. A delight to the eye, and like all of Bertoia’s work it is timeless.” Harry Bertoia (1915 – 1978) was an Italian-born American artist, jewelry creator and modern furniture designer. He was born in San Lorenzo d-Arzene, Pordenone, Italy. At age 15 he moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with his older brother, Oreste. He quickly learned English and the bus schedule and enrolled in Cass Tech High School in Detroit (1930-1936) where he studied art and design and learned the skill of handmade jewelry making. At that time, there were three jewelry and metals teachers Louise Green...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsCoral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
- Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Figurine Knud Kyhn Monumental Lynx #2487By Knud KyhnLocated in Bloomfield Hills, MISALE ONE WEEK ONLY The monumental "Lynx", the snarling cat, was modeled by Royal Copenhagen artist Knud Kyhn, and created ca. 1950. It’s a monumental piece and remarkably well-preserved with an expressive snarl. The figure is marked by Royal Copenhagen Denmark as shown and numbered 2487. It is in excellent condition with no damage. Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) was a very productive artist who throughout his life created works of art that are still valued all over the world. In Denmark, he is especially known for his many animal figurines, which he created through his many years of service at Royal Copenhagen. He worked for the Royal Porcelain Factory from 1903 - 1910, 1924 - 1932 and 1936 - 1967, interrupted only by a period of work for Herman A. Kahler in Naestved in the early 1920s and at Bing & Grondahl 1908 - 1915 and 1933 - 1935. He was a Danish painter, draftsman and ceramic sculptor. He was the nephew of the landscape painter, Vilhelm Kahn, and was educated at the Kunstakademiet and Kunstnernes Frie Studieskoler in 1904. He worked for the Royal Porcelain Factory, and a period with Herman Kahler in Naestved. He continued the tradition from the Fynbos and focused on animals and their movements as well as on the play of light in paintings...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Animal Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- Bertoia Diamond Chairs, White, Set of Two, Welded & Painted SteelBy Harry BertoiaLocated in Bloomfield Hills, MISALE ONE WEEK ONLY Bertoia Diamond Chairs, White, Set of Two, Welded & Painted Steel. They are as elegant, strong and functional as when they were manufactured. The chairs will add a touch of class to any setting. Harry Bertoia's career began in the 1930s as a student at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he re-established the metal-working studio and later became head of the department before the school closed during WWII due to wartime restrictions on materials in 1943. During the war, Bertoia moved to California and is credited with developing new techniques for molding plywood with Charles and Ray Eames also from Cranbrook. Harry Bertoia is one of the many well-known artists and designers who attended The Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The school & buildings were designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. It is the country’s top ranked, graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art. Each year, just 75 students are invited to study and live on the landmark Saarinen-designed campus which features: private studios, state-of-the art workshops, the renowned Cranbrook Art Museum and 300 acres of forests, lakes and streams, all a short drive from the city of Detroit. The focus at Cranbrook is on studio practice in one of ten disciplines including Architecture, 2D and 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The program is anchored by celebrated Artists- and Designers-in-Residence, one for each discipline, all of whom live and practice on campus alongside the graduate students. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media), Lauren Anais Hussey (Abstract), Andrea Eis (film, photography), Lilian Swann Saarinen (Sculpture), Douglas Semivan...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Bertoia, Eight White Welded Steel Chairs with Four Red CushionsBy Harry BertoiaLocated in Bloomfield Hills, MISALE ONE WEEK ONLY This set of eight side chairs & four red cushions are as elegant, strong and functional as when they were manufactured. The colors are bright and the cushions are in very good condition. The chairs will add a touch of class to any setting. Harry Bertoia's career began in the 1930s as a student at Cranbrook Academy of Art where he re-established the metal-working studio and later became head of the department before the school closed during WWII due to wartime restrictions on materials in 1943. During the war, Bertoia moved to California and is credited with developing new techniques for molding plywood with Charles and Ray Eames also from Cranbrook. Harry Bertoia is one of the many well-known artists and designers who attended The Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The school & buildings were designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. It is the country’s top ranked, graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art. Each year, just 75 students are invited to study and live on the landmark Saarinen-designed campus which features: private studios, state-of-the art workshops, the renowned Cranbrook Art Museum and 300 acres of forests, lakes and streams, all a short drive from the city of Detroit. The focus at Cranbrook is on studio practice in one of ten disciplines including Architecture, 2D and 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. The program is anchored by celebrated Artists- and Designers-in-Residence, one for each discipline, all of whom live and practice on campus alongside the graduate students. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media), Lauren Anais Hussey (Abstract), Andrea Eis (film, photography), Lilian Swann Saarinen (Sculpture), Douglas Semivan...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal, Steel
- Judy Brady Sculpted Ceramic HeadLocated in Bloomfield Hills, MIThe UNTITLED portrait sculpture has a quiet yet powerful and commanding aura. The viewer cannot be around or near it without feeling its presence. It has a very classical approach in...Category
Vintage 1970s American Expressionist Busts
MaterialsPaint, Ceramic
- Harry Bertoia, Monumental Sonambient SculptureBy Harry BertoiaLocated in New York, NYHarry Bertoia, Monumental Sonambient Sculpture, USA, circa 1970's. Inconel on brass plate, comprised of 49 rods in a 7 x 7 layout with cattails, unmarked. Measures H: 81, W: 16, D: 1...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal
- Harry Bertoia Style Monumental Steel Fan SculptureBy Harry BertoiaLocated in New York, NYHarry Bertoia style monumental steel spray sculpture. Steel rods splayed in fan shape mounted on a wooden square base.Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel
- Harry Bertoia bronzeBy Harry BertoiaLocated in Dallas, TXAmerican Mid-century artist Harry Bertoia would spend his daylight hours working on the monumental public projects for which he is so well known. In the evenings though, after dinner...Category
Vintage 1970s American Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Harry Bertoia bronzeBy Harry BertoiaLocated in Dallas, TXAmerican Mid-century artist Harry Bertoia would spend his daylight hours working on the monumental public projects for which he is so well known. In the evenings though, after dinner...Category
Vintage 1970s Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsBronze
- Harry Bertoia Bush SculptureBy Harry BertoiaLocated in Georges Mills, NHRare patinated bronze bush form, circa 1970 Provenance: Mangel Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, 1970s; Descended in the family.Category
Vintage 1970s American Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsCopper, Bronze
- Harry Bertoia Bush SculptureBy Harry BertoiaLocated in New York, NY"Untitled" (Bush) Sculpture by Harry Bertoia, circa 1970's made of welded bronze. Harry Bertoia, was an Italian-born American artist, sound art sculptor, an...Category
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsBronze