The Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti will forever be best remembered for her work with museums, in particular her 1980–86 renovation of a Beaux Arts Paris train station to create the galleries of the Musée d’Orsay. Aulenti — whose first name, short for Gaetana, is pronounced “guy” — should also be recalled for her tough intellectual spirit and for working steadily when few women found successful architectural careers in postwar Italy.
After she graduated from the Milan Polytechic in 1954, Aulenti opened an architectural office. She also joined the staff of the progressive architectural magazine Casabella, whose editorial line was that the establishment, orthodox modernism of Le Corbusier and the Bauhaus, had outlived it usefulness. When their movement for fresh approaches to architecture and design received a sympathetic hearing, Aulenti found patrons — most prominently Gianni Agnelli, of Fiat, who later employed her to renovate the Palazzo Grassi in Venice for use as an arts exhibition space.
Commissions for showrooms and other corporate spaces brought Aulenti to furniture design. She felt that furniture should never dominate a room. Her chairs and sofas — low-slung, with rounded enameled metal frames and ample seats — and tables, particularly her 1972 marble Jumbo coffee table for Knoll, project solidity and sturdiness. In lighting design, however, Aulenti is bravura.
Each work has a marvelous sculptural presence. Pieces such as her Pipistrello table lamp and Quadrifoglio pendant are a perfect marriage of organically shaped glass and high-tech fixtures. Others have a futuristic elegance — and some even have a touch of personality. Aulenti’s Pileino and La Ruspa table lamps each look almost like little robots. Her lighting pieces are an artful grace note in the career of a woman who believed in strength.
Find vintage Gae Aulenti armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$1,560Sale Price|40% Off
Gae Aulenti Armchair Model 4794 for Kartell, Polystyrene, Italy, 1970
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Centreville, VA
The iconic Gae Aulenti Kartell series, first introduced in 1974, marks a significant milestone in the history of furniture design. The series, comprising a table (Model 4894), an arm...
Polystyrene
Pair of "4794" Armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Kartell, Italy, 1972
By Kartell, Gae Aulenti
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of small armchairs model 4794 by Gae Aulenti for Kartell. Green lacquered polyurethane foam body.
Foam
1990s Gae Aulenti for Knoll Lounge Chair in Blue Leather 8x Available
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Aulenti Lounge Chairs, initially designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International in 1974 as part of the Aulenti Collection. The listed price includes one lounge chair, and ...
Enamel, Steel
$14,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gae Aulenti 'Locus Solus' Tubular Steel Armchairs, Italy, c. 1960s
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Houston, TX
Designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti, this striking pair of Locus Solus armchairs embodies the sculptural elegance and innovative spirit that define one of...
Metal
Orsay Lounge Chair by Gae Aulenti for Knoll
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Original gunmetal frame with reupholstered cushions
Metal
Lounge chair Locus Solus Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, with pouf
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Locus Solus Gae Aulenti, Lounge chair model Locus Solus with pouf, designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova. The project belongs to the famous painted metal series that defined one of ...
Metal
Pair of Gae Aulenti Lounge Chairs curated by Michael Sailstorfer
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Berlin, DE
The Locus Solus Lounge Chair by Gae Aulenti is reimagined with a tire-motif fabric by Michael Sailstorfer. This fusion of Aulenti’s curvaceous desi...
Metal
Lounge chair Locus Solus Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, with pouf
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Locus Solus Gae Aulenti, Lounge chair model Locus Solus with pouf, designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova. The project belongs to the famous painted metal series that defined one of ...
Metal
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
One mid-century modern armless lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Knoll originally in 1946. This early design has a hard maple frame with new linen upholstery.
Fabric, Maple
$4,308 / set
H 26.38 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
Set of 4 pink Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in amstelveen, NL
A set of 4 lacquered metal Locus Solus chairs by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1964. The round seat is perforated sheet metal. The structure, which forms the backrest, armrests, and le...
Steel
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.75 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Set of 6 Gae Aulenti for Knoll International 'Orsay' Dining Chairs 1984, Signed
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking set of six (6) 'Orsay' dining chairs was designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International, one of the most respected producers of modern design in the twentieth century....
Steel
Restored Knoll D’Urso Swivel Lounge Chair in Boucle & Leather
By Joseph D'Urso, Knoll
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
Authentic Knoll D'Urso swiveling lounge chair by Paul D’Urso, reupholstered in a gray green boucle with an off white leather seat cushion. The barrel-style seat hovers above a polished aluminum base, reminiscent of Eero Saarinen’s iconic mid century modern Tulip table...
Aluminum
Piero Lissoni for Kartell Armchair Bed "Trix, Italy 2000s
By Kartell, Piero Lissoni
Located in Naples, IT
Trix white sofa bed by Piero Lissoni for Kartell composed of three different elements connected by an elegant elastic system that can transform and adapt to different uses through ...
Fabric, Plastic
$19,890 / set
H 31.5 in W 22.75 in D 29.5 in
Rare Pair of Pierre Jeanneret Scissor Lounge Chairs for Knoll in Moss Leather
By Knoll, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in San Diego, CA
A spectacular and authentic pair of Scissor chairs designed by Pierre Jeanneret in 1948 and manufactured by Knoll, Model 92. This iconic design — celebrated for its striking angular ...
Aluminum
Locus Solus Yellow Chair by Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti, Exteta
Located in Milan, IT
This contemporary chair delivers comfort, style, and quality in a playful and colorful silhouette suitable for any outdoor setting. The original 1964 Locus Solus Collection by Gae Au...
Steel
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Vintage Bird Lounge Chair
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Saint Louis, US
Harry Bertoia for Knoll International bird chair. This iconic lounge chair and ottoman were originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952 and manufactured by Knoll International. Each...
Metal
Lounge Chair by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A lounge chair formed by an armless button-tufted upholstered seat resting on a matte steel, rectilinear architectural frame.
Steel
$3,000 / set
H 33 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
1980s Pair of Gae Aulenti for Knoll Orsay Dining Arm Chairs with Frame & Leather
By Knoll, Gae Aulenti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Orsay Armchairs, originally designed by Gae Aulenti in 1976. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA circa the 1980s. This armchair was named af...
Aluminum
$5,169Sale Price|25% Off
H 32.29 in W 28.35 in D 39.38 in
Locus Solus lounge chair in linen by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy 1964
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Locus Solus armchair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1964. A first production in excellent condition, restored. Structure in painted metal,...
Iron
L54 pair of armchairs by Gae Aulenti for Knoll
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of Gae Aulenti model 54L design armchairs for Knoll international. Beautiful timeless design armchairs with black lacquered metal frames and orange/red fabric upholstery. The ...
Metal
$13,850 / set
H 31 in W 24.5 in D 31 in
Vintage Florence Knoll Slipper Lounge Chairs Restored in Leather
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful set of unique and very high-quality 'slipper chairs' model 51W, an early design by American designer Florence Knoll dates from 1955 and is becoming more rare to find nowa...
Upholstery, Wood
$17,500 / set
H 28 in W 25.5 in D 32 in
Rare Pair of Aluminum Lounge Chairs by Hannah/Morrison for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely stunning pair of the iconic lounge chair designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll, circa 1970s. Aluminum with polished stainless steel accents. This rare ...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Restored Brown Womb Lounge Chair by Saarinen for Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Womb lounge chair designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll is from the 21st Century. This authentic vintage chair has been professionally restored by our t...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 30 in W 31 in D 33 in
Vintage Pair of Gae Aulenti for Knoll Lounge Chairs, Green Frames Black Leather
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Round Rock, TX
Pair of sculptural lounge chairs designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll. A continuous tubular steel frame wraps the chair in one flowing line, forming both the arms and base. These examp...
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 35.44 in
Gae Aulenti for Knoll, Pair of Model 54 Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1975
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in amstelveen, NL
Pair of Model 54 lounge chairs designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International in 1975. These chairs perfectly capture Aulenti’s architectural approach to furniture. Bold, modern, ...
Steel
Gae Aulenti for Knoll, Model 54 Lounge Chair, Italy, 1975
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in amstelveen, NL
Model 54 lounge chair designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International in 1975. The chair perfectly captures Aulenti’s architectural approach to furniture. Bold, modern, and distinc...
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 35.44 in
Gae Aulenti for Knoll, Pair of Model 54 Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1975
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in amstelveen, NL
Pair of Model 54 lounge chairs designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International in 1975. These chairs perfectly capture Aulenti’s architectural approach to furniture. Bold, modern, ...
Steel
Gae Aulenti Brown Leather Steel Lounge Chairs for Knoll, 1980
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Vienna, AT
Collectors set of two Gae Aulenti for Knoll International lounge chairs-Priced as a pair This set of two lounge armchairs is constructed of dark brown lacquered steel frames with th...
Steel
Sold
H 28.5 in W 28.5 in D 31.5 in
Stringa' Cognac Leather + Chrome Armchair by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare ‘Stringa’ armchair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in the 1960s. This beautifully proportioned, sculptural armchair is constructed of tubular chromed metal and features...
Chrome
Kartell 4794 plastic armchair by Gae Aulenti, 1972
By Gae Aulenti, Kartell
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
The Kartell 4794 by Gae Aulenti impresses with its unusual shade of British Racing Green. The armchair is made of polyurethane and shows slight signs of wear, mainly on the feet. Thi...
Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell 4794 lounge chairs by Gae Aulenti, 1972
By Gae Aulenti, Kartell
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
These two design icons by Gae Aulenti come in an unusual shade of British Racing Green. The armchairs are made of polyurethane and show minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily on t...
Plastic
Sold
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 27.56 in
Gae Aulenti Space Age Polyurethane Black Lounge Armchair 4794 for Kartell, 1974
By Kartell, Gae Aulenti
Located in Vicenza, IT
The lounge chair 4794 by Gae Aulenti for Kartell was introduced in 1974. It is made of molded black lacquered polyurethane. The collection also includes chair 4854, armchair 4794, an...
Plastic
Sold
H 36.25 in W 23.75 in D 25.25 in
Walnut + Leather 'Arcata' Chair by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy 1968
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Chicago, IL
An ‘Arcata’ lounge chair designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in 1968. This sculptural chair features a walnut frame with an arched seat back and arms, whose curves are emphasized ...
Leather, Walnut
Four Gae Aulenti for Knoll Leather Lounge Chairs c 1970's
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Knoll lounge chair(s) designed by Gae Aulenti as part of the iconic 1970's " Aulenti Collection". We have four lounge chairs, each with rich dark chocolate brown metal f...
Metal
Pair of Gae Aulenti Black Leather Lounge Chairs for Knoll, Marked
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Asheville, NC
Vintage lounge chairs designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll. Original upholstery in black leather with lacquered black frames. Made in Italy, circa 197...
Leather, Lacquer
Stringa Lounge Chair by Gae Aulenti, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gae Aulenti; Poltranova; Stringa Sofa; Chair; Lounge Chair; Armchair; Chromed Metal; Burgundy Leather Italy; 1962; Settee; Italian Design; Italy; Gae Aulenti for Poltranova, easy ch...
Chrome
Kartell Lounge Chair 4794 Designed by Gae Aulenti, 1974
By Gae Aulenti, Kartell
Located in Athens, Attiki
Lounge chair 4794 by Gae Aulenti for Kartell, 1974. Molded white polyurethane. This striking design won the Compasso D'oro industrial design ...
Plastic, Fiberglass, Polystyrene
Mid-Century Lounge Chair by Gae Aulenti for Knoll
By Gae Aulenti
Located in San Antonio, TX
Stunning mid-century lounge chair designed by Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti for Knoll is solid, low-slung with rounded enameled frame, this lounge chair offers comfortab...
Enamel