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.
Luxury Italian Sofa in Leather - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola 238cm Wine
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
Gaetano Pesce UP 2000 Sofa, Black Fabric, Italian Radical Design, 1970
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Madrid, ES
Iconic and sculptural, the "UP 2000" sofa designed by Gaetano Pesce in the 1970s is a bold example of Italian radical design. With its sensuous, organic form, the piece reflects Pesc...
Fabric, Wood
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola Blush
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
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola - Sage
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "Sofà Michetta 280" Italian Sculptural Sofa - Yellow
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the Sofà Michetta 280 is a radical, sculptural expression of engineered comfort, material poetry, and deliberate asymmetry. Defined by its s...
Fabric
$13,071 / item
Nubola 238 Velvet Sofa in Hazelnut 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
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola Orange
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
Luxury Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola 277 cm - Sage
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Nubola 277 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the collection. Beyond its unique aesthetic appeal, the defining magic ...
Leather
Luxury Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola 277 cm - Cyan
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Nubola 277 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the collection. Beyond its unique aesthetic appeal, the defining magic ...
Leather
Luxury La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Yellow
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
Italian La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Yellow
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
Luxury La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Musk
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Yellow Velvet
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Ochre Velvet
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
Luxury 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
Sofa model “Tramonto a New York” by Gaetano Pesce, 1980
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sofa model “Tramonto a New York” Manufactured by Cassina Italy, 1980 Fabric, wood, polyurethane Measurements 232 cm x 128 cm x 102h cm (40 cm seat height) 91,3 in x 50,4 in x 40,2h ...
Fabric, Polystyrene, Wood
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "Sofà Michetta 280" Italian Sculptural Sofa - Red
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the Sofà Michetta 280 is a radical, sculptural expression of engineered comfort, material poetry, and deliberate asymmetry. Defined by its s...
Fabric
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "Sofà Michetta 280" Italian Sculptural Sofa - Cobalt
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the Sofà Michetta 280 is a radical, sculptural expression of engineered comfort, material poetry, and deliberate asymmetry. Defined by its s...
Fabric
Luxury La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Pink
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola - Musk
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola Cobalt
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
La Michetta Composition 2 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
$42,524 / item
Gli Amici Printed Cotton Fabled Sofa 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
1990s Cassina Cannaregio Two Seat Loveseat Sofa / Lounge by Gaetano Pesce
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cannaregio Sofa, initially designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina in 1987. This set was produced in Italy in the early 1990s. It is composed of two modular sections, each se...
Steel
La Michetta Composition 1 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
Luxury La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Steel
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
Senzafine Armchair & Pouf in Polyurethane Black 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
Sofà Michetta three seater Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Michetta sofa by Gaetano Pesce features an eclectic design that challenges traditional aesthetics with an irregular capitonné technique and plush velvet upholstery. This piece of...
Velvet
La Michetta Hook Arm 73 in Metal 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...
Metal
La Michetta Back 144 Velvet Backrest Sofa in Blush 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
La Michetta Hook Back 73 in Metal 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...
Metal
Italian La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Sage
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
Sofà Michetta three seater Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Michetta sofa by Gaetano Pesce features an eclectic design that challenges traditional aesthetics with an irregular capitonné technique and plush velvet upholstery. This piece of...
Velvet
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola - Navy
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
$18,054 / item
Meritalia Nubola 238 Sofa in leather 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...
Leather
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola Cream
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Luxury Italian Sofa in Leather - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola 277 cm Brown
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Nubola 277 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the collection. Beyond its unique aesthetic appeal, the defining magic ...
Leather
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola - Lime
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "Sofà Michetta 280" Italian Sculptural Sofa - Orange
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, the Sofà Michetta 280 is a radical, sculptural expression of engineered comfort, material poetry, and deliberate asymmetry. Defined by its s...
Fabric
Luxury La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Blush
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
Colorado Composition 1 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
La Michetta Back 144 Velvet Backrest 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
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola - Cyan
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Luxury Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola 277 cm - Sand
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Nubola 277 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the collection. Beyond its unique aesthetic appeal, the defining magic ...
Leather
La Michetta Back 73 Velvet Backrest Sofa in Navy 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
Gaetano Pesce "Gli Amici" Printed Cotton Sofa for Meritalia Limited Edition of 9
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia®, Gli Amici ("The Friends") is a whimsical sofa featuring fantastic zoomorphic creatures. Balancing sculptural art with pure functionality, th...
Fabric, Cotton
La Michetta Back 107 Velvet Backrest Sofa in Cobalt 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
Luxury La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Cyan
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
Italian La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Lime
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Luxury Italian Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola Purple
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 La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Orange
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Sage Velvet
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Blush Velvet
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Lime Velvet
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Sand Velvet
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Purple Velvet
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Luxury Italian Sofa in Leather - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola 277 cm Wine
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Nubola 277 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the collection. Beyond its unique aesthetic appeal, the defining magic ...
Leather
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia "La Michetta" Luxury Modular Sofa in Steel Velvet
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
Luxury La Michetta Modular Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia - Velvet Sage
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
Luxury Lounge Sofa in Velvet - Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Nubola 277 cm - Red
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Nubola 277 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the collection. Beyond its unique aesthetic appeal, the defining magic ...
Leather