Through elaborate still lifes, vivid landscape paintings and thought-provoking portraits reduced to bold geometric forms, Italian artist Duilio Barnabé (who often went by Dubè) embraced the Cubist genre with a zeal to match that of his greatest inspiration, Spanish master Pablo Picasso.
Born in Bologna in 1914, Barnabé showed a strong interest in art from an early age. In his youth, he studied under Italian modern artist Giorgio Morandi, developing his skill and trying to find his own unique style.
In 1935, the Italian government drafted Barnabé to military service, where he served a tour in North Africa. He married sculptor Angiola Cassanello in 1938, and served another stint in the military in 1940, after being called to duty once again. Upon his second return from service, Barnabé was finally able to make his art in earnest. He produced works that won the Baruzzi Prize in 1941 and the International Curlandese Prize in 1943.
In 1946, Barnabé moved to Paris, where he created the bulk of his early paintings, in which Picasso's influence strongly shone through. His major artistic debut occurred in 1947, at the exhibition of contemporary Italian art in Switzerland. Many exhibitions and awards followed, including a solo show at the Venice Biennale.
In 1955, he received a gold medal from the Italian government for a series of stained glass windows he had designed. Barnabé worked in many mediums, including furniture, but his primary focus was painting. He produced a large body of work until his death in 1961 in an auto accident in the Swiss Alps.
Find authentic Duilio Barnabé figurative paintings and other art on 1stDibs.
Green Glass Table by Duiliu Barnabé / Fontana Arte, c.a. 1960
By Duilio Dubé Bernabe, Duilio Barnabe, Fontana Arte
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare and sophisticated low table by mid century painter Duilio "Dubé" Barnabé. It's heavy glass top has chiseled edges and behind glass painting. ...
Brass, Steel
Duilio Barnabè Rare Coffee Table Decorated Ground Crystal Glass Top
By Duilio Barnabe
Located in Milano, IT
Duilio Barnabè known as Dubè (1914-1961) Rare coffee table with thick ground crystal glass top back painted with musical instruments. Structure in met...
Glass, Wood
1950's Duilio Barnabé Dubé Fontana Arte Painted Eglomise Glass Coffee Table
By Fontana Arte, Duilio Barnabe
Located in Milano, IT
This rare round coffee table was designed by Duilio “Dubè” Bernabè and produced by Fontana Arte, in Milan, circa 1958. The tabletop is made of ground crystal glass, and then reverse-painted using the églomisé technique. The design features bold, expressive brushstrokes forming leaf motifs in shades of green, magenta, and bright blue over a soft grey background—creating a vibrant yet sophisticated composition. The base is composed of slender, black-painted metal legs with elegant brass feet, giving the table a light and sculptural presence. Signed "Dubè Fontana Arte...
Metal, Brass
Duilio Barnabé Dubé Retro-Painted Glass Coffee Table Blue Green Fontana Arte
By Duilio Barnabe, Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Rare painted glass coffee table by Duilio Barnabé, made in Italy by Fontana Arte Glass makers, circa 1958. Featuring a black painted metal and brass base, it supports a thick, curved...
Metal
$1,870
H 15.75 in W 27.56 in D 47.25 in
Midcentury Chromed Steel Italian Coffee Table with Crystal Glass Top, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful chromed steel coffee table with crystal glass top. This amazing piece was produced in Italy during 1970s. This midcentury maste...
Steel, Chrome
Unavailable|$12,847
H 20.48 in Dm 44.1 in
Rare Variant of Big Table Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte 1940 Whit Blue Mirror
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Rare variant of big table Pietro Chiesa For Fontana Arte 1940 whit blue mirror.
Wood
$6,278 / set
H 17.33 in W 18.12 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Coffee Tables 'Dubè' atrb Duilio Barnabé Italy, Marble and Bronze Relief
By Duilio Barnabe, Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Pair of oval coffee tables with Carrara marble top supported by a sculpted cast brass base with a relief of figures is standing on four spider legs on oval feet. The figures on the l...
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Cut Steel
$89,000
H 14.7 in Dm 32.5 in
Max Ingrand, Coffee Table, Green Convex Glass, Metal, Brass, Fontana Arte, 1958
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green convex glass, metal and brass coffee table, model 1774, designed by Max Ingrand and produced by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1958.
Brass, Metal
Fontana Arte, Side Table, Walnut, Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and smoked glass side table designed and produced by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960s. Minor scuffing to legs. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.7"H x 22.5"W x 18.5"D All items s...
Glass, Walnut
Glass Top and Chrome Coffee Table
By Horst Bruning, Kill International
Located in Antwerp, BE
1970s coffee table minimalist modern chrome base with a clear glass top.
Stainless Steel, Chrome
$525Sale Price|47% Off
H 16.93 in W 38.59 in D 19.1 in
Midcentury Fontana Arte Style Wood and Glass Coffee Table 60s, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Coffee table with a geometric design, with wooden structure and rectangular glass top. In the style of Fontana Arte, Italian production from the 60s. Wear consistent with age and use.
Glass, Wood
Italian Glass Top Coffee Table 1970's
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This coffee table showcases a distinctive design, highlighted by its uniquely curved chrome legs that create a bold yet refined silhouette. The reflective metal brings a dynamic visu...
Chrome
FONTANA ARTE COFFEE TAbLE WOOD GLASS 1950 ITALY
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
ECCEZIONALE COFFEE TABLE DI FONTANA ARTE IN LEgNO INTAGLIATO E PIANO IN VETRO SPESSO IN BUONO STATO....
Wood
$8,175
H 14.57 in W 45.08 in D 19.49 in
Fontana Arte fiberglass and glass coffee table model 2542, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare coffee table model 2542 by Fontana Arte combines contrasting yet complementary materials: fiberglass and crystal. This unusual combination, characterized by their plastic vers...
Glass, Fiberglass
$7,600
H 17.33 in W 36.23 in D 20.87 in
Green Bubble Glass Waterfall Coffee Table attr. to Fontana Arte, Italy 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous and very rare Coffee or Sofa Waterfall Table that was handmade of a single piece of solid glass. The green/gray bubble glass features beautif...
Glass
$2,768
H 22.45 in W 21.66 in D 17.72 in
Marble and Glass Sculptural Italian Side Table Attributed to Fontana Arte, 1960
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Attributed to Fontana Arte, this refined Italian side table from the mid-20th century exemplifies the sculptural elegance and material experimentation that define the brand’s most ic...
Marble, Brass
Coffee Table, Dube Duilio Barnabe Design. 1950s
By Duilio Barnabe
Located in Oirlo, LI
The Dubè coffee table, designed by Duilio Barnabé (also known as Dubè) in 1955 for Fontana Arte, is an exceptional piece that embodies the essence of 1950s Italian design. This ova...
Marble, Brass
Duilio Barnabé Cocktail Table
By Duilio Barnabe, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Cocktail table by Duilio Barnabé for Fontana Arte. Back-painted glass top of irregular shape and “chipped” edges. Triangular-shaped bas...
Brass, Metal
Fontana Arte Cocktail Table
By Duilio Barnabe, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Rare cocktail table by Duilio Barnabé for Fontana Arte. Slab crystal top with irregular and chipped edges. Verre églomisé decoration with a Primitive motif. Dark mahogany legs, ca...
Fontana Arte Dining Table by Duilio Bernabè (Dubé)
By Duilio Dubé Bernabe, Duilio Barnabe, Fontana Arte
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Exquisite and truly unique round breakfast or dining table by Fontana Arte with 48 inch round glass crystal top by Securitat Sant-Gobain, reverse painted abstract bot...
Crystal, Brass