Gaetano Pesce was of a generation of Italian architects who in the early 1960s rebelled against the industrial perfection of modernism by conceiving new furniture and objects that were at once expressive and eccentric in form; or you might say they were more like art than functionalist design.
Born in the picturesque coastal Italian city of La Spezia in 1939, Pesce was a precocious talent who could have forged a career as an artist but opted instead to go to Venice to study architecture because, as he has said, it was “the most complex of all the arts.” Rather than having new worlds opened to him at design school, however, Pesce found the rationalist curriculum oppressive in its insistence on standardization and prescribed materials and technologies.
Pesce wanted to explore the latest of both materials and technologies to create objects and buildings never before imagined, with what he called “personalities” that spoke to the issues of the day. He was keen to examine ways to diversify mass production so that each manufactured work could be distinct.
In 1964, Pesce met Cesare Cassina, of the forward-looking furniture company C&B Italia in Milan (now known as B&B Italia), for whom he would create many important designs, beginning with a collection of what he called “transformational furniture” — two chairs and a loveseat — made entirely out of high-density polyurethane foam. To make the pieces easy to ship and cost-efficient, he proposed that after being covered in a stretch jersey, they be put in a vacuum, then heat-sealed flat between vinyl sheets. Once the foam was removed from its packaging, the piece returned to its original shape — hence, the name Up for the series, which debuted in 1969.
In addition to these pieces, Pesce proposed for the collection something he referred to as an “anti-armchair,” which took the shape of a reclining fertility goddess, the iconic Donna.
Producing the piece's complex form turned out to be a technical challenge. Bayer, the foam’s manufacturer, deemed it impossible to accomplish. Pesce persisted and came up with a new procedure, demonstrating not only the designer’s key role in researching the nature and potential of new materials but also his vital importance in “doubting rules.” The Up chair and accompanying ottoman were born, and they were revolutionary in more ways than one.
In the early 1970s, Pesce began exploring one of his key concepts, the idea of the industrial originals. Employing a mold without air holes, and adding a blood-red dye to the polyurethane, he cast a bookcase that resembled a demolished wall, the rough edges of the shelves and posts resulting from fissures in the material made by trapped air.
Through his research into polyurethane, Pesce figured out a way to make a loveseat and armchair using only a simple wood frame and strong canvas covering as a mold. Since the fabric developed random folds during the injection process, the pieces were similar but not identical. Cassina named the suite of furnishings Sit Down and introduced it in 1975. By experimenting with felt soaked in polyurethane and resin, Pesce conceived I Feltri, another collection of armchairs introduced by Cassina in 1987.
Pesce went on to live a life that defied expectation and convention and along the way became one of the most seminal figures in art and design.
Find vintage Gaetano Pesce chairs, sofas, vases and more on 1stDibs.
Set of Four Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Red Armless Outdoor Chairs for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This set of four Dalila armless outdoor chairs designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina presents a striking contemporary reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and ar...
Plastic
Large Gaetano Pesce for Cassina 'Cannaregio' Modular Sofa
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, sofa, model ‘Cannaregio’, multicolored upholstery, Italy, 1987 Large ‘Cannaregio’ sofa, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina. The 1987 design is playful,...
Fabric
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Armchair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Italy
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the...
Polyester
Up5 La Mamma Chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia
By Gaetano Pesce, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Italy Reupholstered in furrish brown fabric.
Fabric
MINT Black UP5 La Big Mamma UP 2000 Chair & UP6 Ottoman Gaetano Pesce B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Basel, BS
Beautiful original Gaetano UP5 + UP6, marked and labeled. Chair and ottoman set, sold together. Incredible like new condition. Mint, exquisite condition. This is a truly stunning example of this chair. No blemishes. SHIPPING: We offer very competitive shipping rates, fast and well priced. We oversee all shipping ourselves, working closely with insured shipping air freight shippers to ensure smooth and safe delivery to you. This renowned UP5_6 armchair and ottoman from the UP 2000 series, crafted by Gaetano Pesce and reintroduced by B&B Italia in 2000, is a striking design chair and ottoman set that is essential for enthusiasts of vintage and modernist furniture. Often referred to as the "Big Mama Chair...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
B&B / B&C Italia Up3 Up 2000 Series Arm Chair in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Basel, BS
Gorgeous UP3 Armchair by Gaetano Pesce in black. What a beauty!!!! The B&B Italia Up3 Armchair, part of Gaetano Pesce’s renowned Up 2000 series, exemplifies the innovation and bold...
Fabric, Foam
limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 50 limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina For the three-seater sofa, the padded skyscrapers are upholstered in an exclusive fabric with a raised t...
Fabric
$17,550 / item
Montanara Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Montanara armchair evokes a poetic mountain landscape—its sweeping, snow-white contours and printed textile upholstery conjure peaks, rocks and alpine skies in an indoor setting....
Fabric
$3,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
UP7 FOOT Lounge Chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia - Gran Salotto by Duplex
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1969, Gaetano Pesce designed Il Piede (UP7), the final piece in his renowned Up Series, which featured seven iconic seating elements. Inspired by the shape of the human foot, this...
Foam
$13,071 / item
Nubola 238 Velvet Sofa in Blush by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
Gaetano Pesce B&B Italia UP7 iL PIEDE Foot Lounge Chair, Monumental 2000
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Miami, FL
Gaetano Pesce B&B Italia UP7 iL PIEDE Foot Lounge Chair, Monumental 2000 Offered for sale is a monumental UP7 "iL PIEDE" foot lounge chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia. ...
Plastic, Foam
Meritalia La Michetta Composition 5 Sofa in Velvet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
$43,552 / item
Gaetano Pesce Tramonto A New York Sofa For Cassina
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Tramonto A New York Sofa For Cassina A 20th century design icon, symbol of the vitality, innovation and creativity of Italian design and one of its masters, Gaetano Pe...
Polyester
$6,409Sale Price|30% Off
"Sit Down" lounge chair in polyester by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, Italy, 1975
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sit Down armchair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina in 1975. Steel frame, molded plywood, cold-injected polyurethane, quilted polyester wadding fabric. Good condition, chair has ...
Steel
Up Du5 and Du6 Armchair and Ottoman by Gaetano Pesce for B&B, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Roma, IT
Armchair Gaetano Pesce for b&b - ITitalia series UP DU5 and DU6. Measures: 103 x 120 x 130 cm. It includes ottoman diameter 60 cm. An icon on international post-war design, and one...
Metal
Gaetano Pesce 543 Broadway Nine-Legged Resin Chair for Meritalia Limited Edition
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the 543 Broadway chair is an iconic synthesis of radical Italian design, mass-produced uniqueness, and sculptural charm. Defined by its tran...
Metal
Two "I Feltri" B/Pink Lounge Chairs by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, Italy, 1980s
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of iconic "I Feltri" chairs by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina. Wool felt body with movable cotton upholstery.
Felt
Set of 6 Post Modern Gaetano Pesce "543 Broadway" Chairs For Bernini, 1993
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a remarkable set of six "543 Broadway" chairs designed by Gaetano Pesce for Bernini (Italy, 1993). These iconic postmodern chairs embody the radical, avant-garde ethos of the...
Steel
Gaetano Pesce 543 Broadway Nine-Legged Resin Chair for Meritalia Limited Edition
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the 543 Broadway chair is an iconic synthesis of radical Italian design, mass-produced uniqueness, and sculptural charm. Defined by its tran...
Metal
Meritalia Senzafine Chair, Senza Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
A chair of sculptural proportion, the "Endless" Chair is a colourful tangle that give life to a geometric and dynamic seat. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats designed by Gaetan...
Plastic
Original Shadow Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Postmodern Icon
By Meritalia, Michel Ducaroy, Gaetano Pesce, Ligne Roset
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Shadow armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia is a highly collectible iconic masterpiece of Post Modern Design. The chair "deconstructed". Designed a...
Leather, Upholstery, Latex, Resin
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Chair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Modern Design
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the...
Polyester
" UP 5 " by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia Red Armchair with Ottoman 1970s
By Gaetano Pesce, B&B Italia
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
NOT A 2000 SERIES Since its first appearance, the Up Series, designed in 1969 by Gaetano Pesce, has been one of the most talked about examples of modern furniture design. The excep...
Fabric
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Pagnotta" Dining Chair with armrests Bicolor
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the La Pagnotta chair with arms is a radical, sculptural expression of engineered comfort, material poetry, and innovative structural design...
Cotton, Carbon Fiber
Gaetano Pesce "La Fiorita" Sofa in Grass Carpet for Meritalia, Limited Edition
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, La Fiorita is a sofa that embodies the essence of spring: new energy and vibrant colors for an everlasting creation. A comfortable, poetic a...
Fabric
Colorado Composition 2 Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Colorado by Gaetano Pesce is a modular, combinable sofa defined by its playful volumes and vivid chromatic contrasts. Each element can be freely arranged to form linear or irregu...
Fabric
Gli Amici Printed Cotton Fabled Armchair by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fabled creatures that make up a modular sofa. Sculptural and functional objects to characterize a light-hearted interior, and transform every room into an unforgettable adventure. G...
Cotton
Original Issue B&B Italia Armchair Series UP 2000 UP 3 by Gaetano Pesce, 1969!
By Gaetano Pesce, B&B Italia
Located in New York, NY
A Rare, Original Production of a design icon, Series Up 2000, Up 3 Armchair / Lounge Chair by the legendary designer Gaetano Pesce for the premiere Italian manufacturer, B&B Ital...
Upholstery, Foam, Beech
Meritalia "La Pagnottina" Accent & Dining Chair by Gaetano Pesce - White
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the La Pagnottina chair is a radical, versatile expression of expressive design, structural innovation, and conceptual duality. Defined by i...
Fabric, Carbon Fiber
Meritalia La Michetta Composition 5 Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
Meritalia La Michetta Composition 3 Sofa in Velvet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
$6,605 / item
Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Armchair for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Dalila armchair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina is a striking reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artistically significant seating concepts. Devel...
Plastic
$31,132 / set
Gaetano Pesce Bernini Broadway Chairs, Set of 4
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Broadway chairs Gaetano Pesce Bernini set of 4: iconic Italian design chairs characterized by the experimental approach with the use of epoxy and unconventional resin by Gaetano Pesc...
Metal
Armchair and Footstool UP5_6 by Gaetano Pesce for Superego Editions, Italy
By Superego Editions, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Asti, Piemonte
A large patinated bronze armchair casted with lost wax method with spherical footstool also known by the name 'Donna', foam model designed in 1969 by C & B, from 2012 limited edition...
Bronze
Original Sculpture / Seat Mod Up7 Designed by Gaetano Pesce, B&B Italia
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Ibiza, Spain
The large seat/sculpture mod. Up7, designed by the renowned Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce in 1969, represents a milestone in contemporary furniture design. Produced by B&B Italia as part of the UP series...
Plastic
$5,700 / item
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” Chair for Bernini, 1993
By Bernini, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” chair for Bernini, epoxy resin, stainless steel, gum, 1993 The eclecticism and genius of Gaetano Pesce are explicitly visible in his iconic "543 Broadwa...
Resin, Plastic
Meritalia Shadow Chair by Gaetano Pesce, Green Resin & Leather, Italy
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
The "Shadow" chair by Gaetano Pesce is an innovative piece of design, crafted by Meritalia. Like many of Pesce's works, it plays with form, colour and texture, aiming to create a uni...
Leather, Resin, Latex
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola Steel
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Nubola 238 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the collection. Beyond its unique aesthetic appeal, the defining magic ...
Leather
Italian modern modular Cannaregio sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, 1987
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern modular Cannaregio sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, 1987 Cannaregio model sofa composed of three modules that can be positioned as desired, united or distant. The su...
Fabric, Wood
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” Chairs for Bernini, 1993, Set of 6
By Bernini, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” chairs for Bernini, epoxy resin, stainless steel, gum, 1993, set of six. The eclecticism and genius of Gaetano Pesce are explicitly visible in his iconi...
Resin, Plastic
Senzafine Seat Armchair in Polyurethane Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Armchair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Italy
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the result ...
Polyester
$29,502 / item
Montanara Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Montanara modular sofa evokes a poetic mountain landscape—its sweeping, snow-white contours and printed textile upholstery conjure peaks, rocks and alpine skies in an indoor sett...
Fabric
$8,284 / item
Nubola 133 Velvet Sofa in Steel by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
Gaetano Pesce Armchair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2000's
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2003 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2003 Signed and dated 19 05 03 UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Nobody’s Queen Chair, Gaetano Pesce for Zerodisegno, 2003
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Created by Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce, the Nobody’s Queen Chair is a striking example of his long-standing exploration of individuality, material experimentation, a...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Red Outdoor Armchair for Cassina
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Dalila armchair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina is a striking outdoor reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artistically significant seating concept...
Plastic
La Michetta Arm 73 Velvet Armrest Sofa in Musk by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
$8,284 / item
Nubola 133 Velvet Sofa in Purple by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
Limited Edition Notturno A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Notturno A New York sofa by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Cassina in Italy Limited Edition of 50 pieces DESIGN TRIBUTE TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS The New York skyline in a sofa,...
Fabric
Gaetano Pesce Armchair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2000's
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2003 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2003 Signed and dated 19 05 03 UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Meritalia Senzafine Chair, Senza Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
The "Endless" Chair. Colourful tangles that give life to a geometric and dynamic seat. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats designed by Gaetano Pesce, and a manifesto of Meritalia...
Plastic
Gaetano Pesce Chair for Cassina 1980 80s
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Gaetano Pesce chair for Cassina. Model: Dalila Due Plastic painted in dark red. Rare chair in the style of Gaetano Pesce 's Radicale era. It's dark and decadent.
Plastic
Set of Six Gaetano Pesce '543 Broadway' Chairs, Aluminum & Epoxy, 1993
By Bernini, Gaetano Pesce
Located in London, England
Gaetano Pesce's works are eccentric, modern, and camp. These chairs are rare examples of the Broadway series in an incredibly bright green and yellow colourway. On sprung feet, t...
Aluminum
Senzafine Armchair & Pouf in Polyurethane Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
Endless Pouf by Gaetano Pesce, Red Plastic, Post-Modern Design, Italy
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
The "Endless Pouf". Colourful tangles that give life to a geometric and dynamic seat. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats designed by Gaetano Pesce, and a manifesto of Meritalia'...
Plastic
Meritalia Gli Amici, Canarino Pouf by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Sculptural, fantastical and functional objects (creatures?) by Gaetano Pesce, suitable for a carefree interior. Unforgettable in any space. This is a new, unused piece. Manufacturer'...
Fabric, Foam
$13,071 / item
Nubola 238 Velvet Sofa in Blush-Navy by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
Italian La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Purple
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Design Concept & Cultural Inspiration Conceived by the visionary Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce, La Michetta is a radical manifesto disguised as a modular sofa. Inspire...
Velvet
Set of 2 Gaetano Pesce Dalila Beige Armless Outdoor Chairs for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Dalila armless chair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina is a striking outdoor reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artistically significant seating co...
Plastic