Skip to main content

Ettore Sottsass Prints

Italian, 1917-2007

An architect, industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, Ettore Sottsass led a revolution in the aesthetics and technology of modern design in the late 20th century. He was a wild man of the Radical Design movement that swept Italy in the late 1960s and ’70s, rejecting rationalism and modernism in favor of ever-more outrageous imaginings in lighting and furniture such as mirrors, lamps, chairs and tables.

Sottsass was the oldest member of the Memphis Group — a design collective, formed in Milan in 1980, whose irreverent, spirited members included Alessandro Mendini, Michele de Lucchi, Michael Graves and Shiro Kuramata. All had grown disillusioned by the staid, black-and-brown “corporatized” modernism that had become endemic in the 1970s. Memphis (the name stemmed from the title of a Bob Dylan song) countered with bold, brash, colorful, yet quirkily minimal designs for furniture, glassware, ceramics and metalwork. 

The Memphis Group mocked high-status by building furniture with inexpensive materials such as plastic laminates, decorated to resemble exotic finishes such as animal skins. Their work was both functional and — as intended — shocking.

Even as it preceded the Memphis Group's formal launch, Sottsass's iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell and radical pops of pink neon — embodies many of the collective's postmodern ideals. 

Sottsass created innovative furnishings for the likes of Artemide, Knoll, Zanotta and Poltronova, where he reigned as artistic director for nearly two decades beginning in 1958. His most-recognized designs appeared in the first Memphis collection, issued in 1981 — notably the multihued, angular Carlton room divider and Casablanca bookcase. As pieces on 1stDibs demonstrate, however, Sottsass is at his most inspired and expressive in smaller, secondary furnishings such as lamps and chandeliers, and in table pieces and glassware that have playful and sculptural qualities.

Sottsass left the Memphis Group in 1985 in order to concentrate on the growth of Sottsass Associati, a design and architecture consultancy he cofounded in 1980. 

It was as an artist that Sottsass was celebrated in his life, in exhibitions at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, in 2006, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art a year later. Even then Sottsass’s work prompted critical debate. And for a man whose greatest pleasure was in astonishing, delighting and ruffling feathers, perhaps there was no greater accolade. That the work remains so revolutionary and bold — that it breaks with convention so sharply it will never be considered mainstream — is a testament to his genius.

Find Ettore Sottsass lighting, decorative objects and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

to
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
433
102
88
86
83
Creator: Ettore Sottsass
Large serigraph „senza titolo“ (architectural study) by Ettore Sottsass  1986
Large serigraph „senza titolo“ (architectural study) by Ettore Sottsass  1986

Large serigraph „senza titolo“ (architectural study) by Ettore Sottsass 1986

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg

Beautiful and rare screen print “Senza titolo” (architectural study) by Ettore Sottsass, 1986 Produced by Kalos Arti Applicate in 1986, signed and numbered 40/100 in pencil. Framed...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

Related Items
Hand Signed Limited Edition Serigraph "Golf Winners" by Leroy Neiman
Hand Signed Limited Edition Serigraph "Golf Winners" by Leroy Neiman

Hand Signed Limited Edition Serigraph "Golf Winners" by Leroy Neiman

By LeRoy Neiman

Located in San Diego, CA

Hand signed limited edition serigraph "Golf Winners" by Leroy Neiman, circa 1984. The print is in very good vintage condition and is signed in lower right by the artist as well as in...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

John Luke Eastman "One Mind" Serigraph
John Luke Eastman "One Mind" Serigraph

John Luke Eastman "One Mind" Serigraph

$487Sale Price|43% Off

H 20 in W 16 in D 0.25 in

John Luke Eastman "One Mind" Serigraph

By John Luke Eastman

Located in Van Nuys, CA

A lithograph by 1970s psychedelic master John Luke Eastman, who worked out of Southern California during the 1960s-1980s. The print features a young woman who gazes at herself in the...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

“ Dolder Blue “ by Ludwig Sander, MCM serigraph
“ Dolder Blue “ by Ludwig Sander, MCM serigraph

“ Dolder Blue “ by Ludwig Sander, MCM serigraph

Located in Huntington, NY

Ludwig Sander “ Dolder Blue “ MCM serigraph No. 14/100 '68 Ludwig Sander (1906-1975, American) Ludwig Sander was exposed to art at any early age, through visits to the Metropolitan M...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Three Serigraphs by Ilya Bolotowsky
Set of Three Serigraphs by Ilya Bolotowsky

Set of Three Serigraphs by Ilya Bolotowsky

$9,200 / set

H 29 in W 36 in D 1.25 in

Set of Three Serigraphs by Ilya Bolotowsky

By Ilya Bolotowsky

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Three colorful geographic serigraphs by Ilya Bolotowsky. All three prints have been re-framed with UV protected acrylic. Along with new matting. Diamond, circle and diamond are sign...

Category

Late 20th Century American Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Acrylic

Post Modern "Color Bowl" Silk Screen Print by Daniel Gelakoska Dated 1986
Post Modern "Color Bowl" Silk Screen Print by Daniel Gelakoska Dated 1986

Post Modern "Color Bowl" Silk Screen Print by Daniel Gelakoska Dated 1986

By Daniel Gelakoska

Located in Minneapolis, MN

This is a very bold, graphic and visually-arresting serigraph titled "Color Bowl" by Daniel Gelakoska (1945-2015). Gelakoska was a graduate of Kendall College of Art and Design and G...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paint, Paper

1986 Orlando Agudelo-Botero "Silent Passions" Signed Serigraph Abstract Figure
1986 Orlando Agudelo-Botero "Silent Passions" Signed Serigraph Abstract Figure

1986 Orlando Agudelo-Botero "Silent Passions" Signed Serigraph Abstract Figure

By Orlando Agudelo-Botero

Located in Dayton, OH

"Silent Passions" by the Colombian artist Orlando Agudelo-Botero, Hand Signed & Numbered Serigraph. Professionally framed with gold finish. #99/100 Silent Passions features the...

Category

1980s Colombian Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

"Expanded Inversions" Serigraph by Roy Ahlgren – Signed, Dated & Numbered
"Expanded Inversions" Serigraph by Roy Ahlgren – Signed, Dated & Numbered

"Expanded Inversions" Serigraph by Roy Ahlgren – Signed, Dated & Numbered

By Roy B. Ahlgren 1

Located in San Carlos, CA

For Sale: "Expanded Inversions" Serigraph by Roy Ahlgren – Signed, Dated & Numbered Add a bold statement to your collection with this exceptional serigraph, "Expanded Inversions...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

Architectural Study of Egyptian Capitals and Friezes, c.1776 Engraving Set
Architectural Study of Egyptian Capitals and Friezes, c.1776 Engraving Set

Architectural Study of Egyptian Capitals and Friezes, c.1776 Engraving Set

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: Architectural Study of Egyptian Capitals and Friezes, c.1750 Engraving Set Description: This finely detailed pair of 18th-century engravings presents a comparative visual stu...

Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

Vintage Thomas McKnight Framed Architectural Serigraph Print, 1980s
Vintage Thomas McKnight Framed Architectural Serigraph Print, 1980s

Vintage Thomas McKnight Framed Architectural Serigraph Print, 1980s

By Thomas McKnight

Located in Delray Beach, FL

A striking vintage print by celebrated American artist Thomas McKnight, known for his dreamlike architectural interiors and vibrant use of color. Created in the late 1980s to early 1...

Category

Late 20th Century Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

Large 1980s Art Deco Revival Framed Serigraph "Rendezvous" Signed by the Artist.
Large 1980s Art Deco Revival Framed Serigraph "Rendezvous" Signed by the Artist.

Large 1980s Art Deco Revival Framed Serigraph "Rendezvous" Signed by the Artist.

Located in Miami, FL

Large 1980s Art Deco Revival Framed Silkscreen "Rendezvous" Signed by the Artist. Signed and numbered in pencil by Del Valle. Features an Art Deco-inspired image of a couple enjoyin...

Category

1980s American Art Deco Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Aluminum

"Las Vegas 1983" Serigraph by Melanie Taylor Kent
"Las Vegas 1983" Serigraph by Melanie Taylor Kent

"Las Vegas 1983" Serigraph by Melanie Taylor Kent

$1,200Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.5 in W 41 in D 0.1 in

"Las Vegas 1983" Serigraph by Melanie Taylor Kent

By Melanie Taylor Kent

Located in San Diego, CA

"Las Vegas 1983" Serigraph by Melanie Taylor Kent, circa 1985. The print is hand signed in pencil in the lower right and numbered 39/100 in the low...

Category

Late 20th Century North American Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

"Devotion" Serigraph by Erté, 1987
"Devotion" Serigraph by Erté, 1987

"Devotion" Serigraph by Erté, 1987

$6,200

H 45 in W 34 in D 1 in

"Devotion" Serigraph by Erté, 1987

By Erté

Located in Los Angeles, CA

"Devotion" serigraph numbered 229/300. Includes blind stamps on lower left of the art piece. Signed on the lower right with pencil. Gold frame included. Overall Dimensions: 45"H x ...

Category

1980s French Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Previously Available Items
Exposition "S'asseoir", 1974, Musée de Grenoble 12 Posters in DIN A2, De Sede
Exposition "S'asseoir", 1974, Musée de Grenoble 12 Posters in DIN A2, De Sede

Exposition "S'asseoir", 1974, Musée de Grenoble 12 Posters in DIN A2, De Sede

By De Sede, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Munster, NRW

Exposition "S'asseoir" - 1974, Musée de Grenoble 12 posters in DIN A2 (420 x 594 mm) as high-quality reprints on cardboard Wonderful hand drawings of several design classics, wh...

Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Paper

Ettore Sottsass Ceramics Exhibition Print
Ettore Sottsass Ceramics Exhibition Print

Ettore Sottsass Ceramics Exhibition Print

Sold

H 28 in W 21.75 in D 0.5 in

Ettore Sottsass Ceramics Exhibition Print

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rare Print from the first exhibition of Ettore Sottsass' Ceramiche de Fumo at Il Sestante Gallery, Milan, May 1969. Literature: Another example published in "Ettore Sottsass – Tutta ...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Ettore Sottsass Lithograph Hand Signed
Ettore Sottsass Lithograph Hand Signed

Ettore Sottsass Lithograph Hand Signed

Sold

H 14.57 in W 14.57 in D 0.99 in

Ettore Sottsass Lithograph Hand Signed

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Lithograph by Ettore Sottsass. The work is Architecture to recognize the four cardinal points which was published in the late 1970s. Printed in 1990, 198/500. Including black wood f...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Prints

Materials

Plastic

Ettore Sottsass prints for sale on 1stDibs.

Ettore Sottsass prints are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ettore Sottsass prints, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 4 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original prints by Ettore Sottsass were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the late 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider prints by and Valerio Adami. Prices for Ettore Sottsass prints can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $194 and can go as high as $9,890, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,119.

Questions About Ettore Sottsass Prints

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass was from Innsbruck, Austria. He was born there on September 14, 1917, but he moved to Turin, Italy, as a child. The Italian architect and designer died in Milan, Italy, on December 31, 2007. You'll find a variety of Ettore Sottsass furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass was an architect and designer. He founded the Memphis Group, a collective of designers active from 1981 to 1987. The Ultrafragola mirror is one of his most well-known designs. On 1stDibs, you can shop a variety of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Ettore Sottsass is famous for his work as an architect and an industrial designer, which spurred a revolution in the aesthetics and technology of modern design in the late 20th century. He was the oldest member of the Memphis Group, a design collective formed in Milan in 1980. Having grown disillusioned by the staid, black-and-brown corporatized modernism that had become endemic in the 1970s, the Memphis Group produced bold, brash, colorful, yet quirkily minimal designs for furniture, glassware, ceramics and metalwork. They mocked high status by building furniture with inexpensive materials, such as plastic laminates, decorated to resemble exotic finishes like animal skins. Other than his Ultrafragola mirror (1970), Sottsass's most-recognized designs appeared in the first Memphis collection, issued in 1981. They include the multihued, angular Carlton room divider and Casablanca bookcase. Shop a diverse assortment of Ettore Sotsass furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass was inspired by many things, including pop culture, travel and various cultures from around the world. His primary objective of his work was to bring out the deeper beauty of whatever he created. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To pronounce Ettore Sottsass, say "AY-tore-ee SOAT-sas." The second syllable of the designer's surname sounds similar to the word “sauce” but with a shorter, clipped vowel. On 1stDibs, find a range of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass studied at the Politecnico di Torino in Turin, Italy. In 1939, he graduated from the institution with a degree in architecture. Sottsass began working as an artist and designer in the late 1940s. He produced furniture, ceramics, paintings, sculptures and jewelry. Find a variety of Ettore Sottsass furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass was a famous 20th century architect and designer known for his work in furniture, lighting, jewelry and more, as well as from his work in designing buildings. He was Italian, though he was born in Austria, and lived from 1917 to 2007. Shop a range of Ettore Sottsass pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Ettore Sottsass used a variety of materials over the course of his career. The Italian artist experimented with glass, ceramics, enamel, brass, textiles and more. Along with fellow members of the Memphis Group, he skewed expectations for furniture by using inexpensive materials such as plastic laminates decorated to resemble exotic finishes like animal skins. He also revolutionized ceramics through the pieces he created for the Italian maker Bitossi. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Ettore Sottsass art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass's father, also named Ettore Sottsass, designed modernist architecture. He worked for the firm Movimento Italiano per l'Architettura Razionale or MIAR. Giuseppe Pagano was the company's head architect. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore Sottsass did not design the Carlton room divider for a specific patron or client. He created the piece while working with the Memphis Group, an art collective that held joint shows from 1981 to 1987. Find a selection of Ettore Sottsass furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    The Italian design group led by Italian architectural and product designer Ettore Sottsass is called the Memphis Group. To many people, postmodern design is synonymous with the Memphis Group. This Italian collaborative created the most radical and attention-getting designs of the period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look. The group decided to design, produce and market its own collection, one that wouldn’t be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut at Milan’s 1981 Salone del Mobile drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles. In addition to Sottsass, the members of the group included Andrea Branzi, Aldo Cibic, Michele de Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Kuramata, Paola Navone, Peter Shire, George Sowden and Barbara Radice, who was Sottsass's wife. Find a collection of Memphis Group furniture on 1stDibs.