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.
Stringa Two seater black leather upholstery sofa by Gae Aulenti
By Gae Aulenti
Located in London, GB
" Stringa " sofa with original black leather upholstery on tubular chrome frame, designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 1965 Italy
Chrome
Gae Aulenti Black Original Leather "Stringa" 3-Seater Sofa, Poltronova, 1960s
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Quarrata, IT
A masterful example of mid-century Italian modernism, the "Stringa" three-seater sofa was designed by the acclaimed architect and designer Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in 1962. It stan...
Steel
Gae Aulenti "Stringa" 2-Seater Sofa for Poltronova, 1960s
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Quarrata, IT
"Stringa" two-seater sofa, designed by architect and designer Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in 1962. It stands as one of her most brilliant early contributions to furniture design desi...
Steel
Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, italy, 1962 - New Leather Upholstery
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Brussels, BE
Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, italy, 1962 - New Leather Upholstery
Metal
Canapé Modèle 54 par Gae Aulenti pour Knoll – Restauration Bonjour Gallery
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Rouen, FR
Canapé deux places Modèle 54, conçu par Gae Aulenti dans les années 1970 pour Knoll International. Icône du design post-moderniste italien, ce modèle se distingue par sa structure tu...
Metal
Pair of Vintage Sofas by Gae Aulenti Production Poltronova, Italy, 1965
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Biella, IT
Poltronova two sofas "stringa" from Gae Aulenti '65 design years. The two sofas are for three and two seats and have chrome structure and leather cushion in a particular and refined ...
Chrome
2-Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Black Leather, Italy, 1962
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Brussels, BE
2-Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Black Leather, Italy, 1962
Metal
1980s Gae Aulenti for Knoll Orsay Two Seat Loveseat Sofa in Black
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an ‘Orsay’ Love Seat, initially designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International in 1974. This particular example dates to the 1980s. The design features an enameled-stee...
Enamel, Aluminum
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Three-Seater 'Arcata' by Gae Aulenti, Walnut and Burgundy Leather, Italy, 1968
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in 1968 by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, the Arcata three-seater sofa represents the most expansive expression of the series. The piece is defined by its solid wooden structur...
Leather, Walnut
2-Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Cognac Leather, Italy, 1962 - 2 available
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Brussels, BE
2-Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Cognac Leather, Italy, 1962 - 2 available
Metal
$8,200
H 26.5 in W 51.5 in D 27.75 in
Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994
By Cassina, Le Corbusier
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic LC2 Petit Modele two-seat black leather sofa originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928 was produced by Cassina in 1994. The ...
Steel, Chrome
Rarissime canapé trois places par Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rarissime canapé trois places par Joaquim Tenreiro en imbuia et cuir fauve.
Leather, Wood
$1,371
H 26.38 in W 31.5 in D 67.72 in
1960s Italian Leather Sofa with Original Upholstery, Good Condition
Located in Roma, IT
Leather Sofa is a design furniture realized by italian production 1960s. Original Upholstery. Good condition except for slight stitching of the sewing thread.
Leather
$4,285 / 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 Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
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
$9,980
H 32 in W 75 in D 34 in
Italian Midcentury D-70 Sofa / Bed by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno, New Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in New York, NY
An important statement in the history of Modern design: the Italian Mid-Century Modern D 70 sofa, couch or bed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. Tecno was one of the ...
Brass, Steel
$11,800
H 24.41 in W 59.06 in D 39.38 in
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova 'Saratoga' Two-Seater Sofa
By Poltronova, Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Poltronova, 'Saratoga' two-seat sofa, polyester lacquered wood, leather, Italy, 1964. This two-seat sofa named 'Saratoga' is designed by Italian desig...
Leather, Polyester
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
$1,257
H 35.44 in W 59.06 in D 30.71 in
Italian Mid-Century Bamboo and Rattan Sofa with new Upholstery, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous two-seater sofa made completely of bamboo and rattan in Italy, 1960s/1970s. The sofa is in nearly excellent condition since it was placed inside the previous home. The cushi...
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker
$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 Gae Aulenti, Knoll
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
$5,142Sale 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
Italian Sofa in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee, red fabric, wood, metal, Italy, circa 1960 This Italian two-seat settee features a soft red color and can be placed in an entryway or bring a touch of elegance to any room. ...
Metal
$12,571
H 27.56 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
Le Bambole sofa in leather upholstery by Mario Bellini for B&B Italy 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Le Bambole 2 seats sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&b Italia. Polyurethane padding, grained cowhide. The Bambole series won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1979, Le ...
Animal Skin
$2,950
H 33.47 in W 28.75 in D 43.31 in
Patinated Cognac Leather Sgarsul Rocking Chair, Gae Aulenti for Poltronova
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Almelo, NL
Patinated Cognac Leather Sgarsul Rocking Chair, Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy 1962 Iconic Sgarsul rocking chair designed by Gae Aulenti and manufactured by Poltronova in Italy i...
Leather, Bentwood, Plywood
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
Gae Aulenti for Poltronova 'Stringa' Sofa
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Poltranova, sofa model 'Stringa', leather, chromed metal, blue fabric upholstery, Italy, 1962 'Stringa' sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltranova in 1962. A tubula...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 29.14 in W 75.99 in D 35.44 in
Three Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Italy, 1962 - Original Upholstery
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Brussels, BE
Three Seater Stringa Sofa by Gae Aulenti, Italy, 1962 - Original Upholstery
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 74.81 in D 30.71 in
Italian “Stringa” Chrome and Leather Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1969
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian “Stringa” Chrome and Leather Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1969 Italian Mid-Century Modern Chrome Sofa Design This “Stringa” sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova is a str...
Chrome
Sold
H 28.75 in W 88.98 in D 35.44 in
Large wool sofa model 54A by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International, 1970s
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Lyon, FR
Large sofa, model 54 A, by Gae Aulenti for Knoll, mid-1970s. Ultra comfortable with good back support. Cushions covered in the original speckled beige wool fabric, on a curved steel ...
Steel
Vintage sofa by Gae Aulenti for Knoll, 1970s
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful vintage sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll with a black lacquered frame and original olive green fabric cushions. 1970s - Italy Dimensions: Height: 75cm Width: 150cm ...
Metal
''Stringa'' sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Quarrata, IT
Black leather ''Stringa'' sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy, 1960s.
Steel
Sold
H 28.5 in W 51.5 in D 31.5 in
Stringa' Cognac Leather + Chrome Loveseat by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic ‘Stringa’ two-seat sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in the 1960s. This beautifully proportioned, sculptural loveseat is constructed of tubular chromed metal and ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.96 in W 74.81 in D 34.65 in
Stringa sofa in brown leather by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti
Located in amstelveen, NL
‘Stringa’ three-seat sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in 1962.' This beautifully proportioned, sculptural sofa is constructed of tubular chromed metal and features patina...
Chrome
Sold
H 28 in W 75 in D 36 in
Stringa' Black Leather + Chrome Sofa by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy 1962
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic ‘Stringa’ three-seat sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in 1962. This beautifully proportioned, sculptural sofa is constructed of tubular chromed metal and feature...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.56 in W 75.2 in D 32.29 in
A 20th Century Italian Brown Leather Sofa By Gae Aulenti For Poltronova c.1962
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb Italian Brown leather sofa from the 20th century. Dubbed the “Stringa,” this masterpiece was crafted and conceived in Italy by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in 1962. With its t...
Metal
Stringa Sofa Set by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, Italy, 1962
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
"Stringa" sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltranova in 1962. A tubular chrome frame holds leather seats on top of felt upholstered cushions. The leather cushions are attached with ...
Chrome
Gae Aulenti Three Seat Sofa
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Three seat sofa by Gae Aulenti (b. Palazzolo Dello Stella 1927 - Milano 2012). Produced by Knoll International, USA, circa 1970. Features removable Cognac faux leather seat and bac...
Metal
Sold
H 23.23 in W 78.75 in D 33.08 in
Italian modern daybed sofa Locus Solus by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1970s
By Gae Aulenti, Poltronova
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern daybed sofa Locus Solus by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova, 1970s Daybed mod. Locus Solus with patina chromed metal structure. The structure is entirely made of tubular whi...
Metal
Gae Aulenti 3 Seater Sofa for Knoll International, 1970
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Chicago, IL
Gae Aulenti 3 Seater Sofa for Knoll International, 1970. Original beautiful green leather.
Steel
Gae Aulenti for Knoll Set Sofa and Armchair, Italy, 1975
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Naples, IT
Set two-seater sofa mod. 54A and armchair Mod. 54S designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International, with bent steel frame with burgundy epoxy coating and cushions in black full-grain...
Metal