Behind the walls of a 1930s-era former eyedrop factory in Milan, metal artist Gianluca Pacchioni works his magic, transforming iron, stainless steel, bronze, brass, aluminum and cold liquid metals into sculptures and elegant furniture. “I love metals,” he once said. “I love its imperfections, its scars. I love contrasts, and I try to highlight them. I spend my days ‘abusing’ these metals, but then I end up caressing them. . . . My aim is to find a form which blends imperfection with finesse.”
Born in Milan, in 1966, Pacchioni studied business and economics at Bocconi University before moving to Paris in the 1990s. There, he became immersed in Paris’s art world and discovered a passion for metal sculpting. Despite having no formal training in metalsmithing, Pacchioni forged his own technique and style in a studio he shared with other artists on the Quai de la Gare. His experimental works led to his first collection of iron sculptures presented at Vivendi Gallery, in Place des Vosges.
Keen to work with other Italian artists, Pacchioni returned to Milan in 1998, where he transformed the old factory into a workshop and atelier. Since then, he has focused on creating sculptures and limited-edition furniture such as beautiful Baroque Revival bronze and onyx console tables, side tables and secretaires and modern lighting designs using innovative techniques.
Throughout the 2000s, Pacchioni has participated in several exhibitions, including Milan’s prestigious Salon del Mobile. In 2014, one of his works was put on permanent display at the entrance hall of the Italian Embassy in Paris. In 2016, the Fondazione Cologni awarded him the title Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere (master of arts and crafts).
On 1stDibs, find a range of Gianluca Pacchioni decorative objects, tables and case pieces.
Cabinet Metaphysical White Onyx Cast Bronze Liquid brass by Gianluca Pacchioni
By Gianluca Pacchioni
Located in Paris, FR
Metaphysical Cube, a cabinet designed by Gianluca Pacchioni, Italian artists represented by Galerie Negropontes in Paris, France. It is a unique piece made with white onyx, liquid br...
Onyx, Brass, Bronze
$3,495
H 80 in W 36.5 in D 19 in
Federal Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk / Display Cabinet & Brass Eagle
By Mahogany Associates
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful inlaid flame mahogany Federal style secretary desk with tambour doors. It has two glass shelves. The body has several areas with inlaid satinwood designs. It date...
Glass, Mahogany
French Art Deco Secretary Cabinet by André Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Andre Arbus Sloping mahogany secreter with two drawers and a drop-leaf door. Sycamore maple interior with six small drawers and a central niche lined with parchment; gilt bronze knob...
Brass
Art Deco Secretaire Cabinet by Jules Deroubaix
By Jules Deroubaix
Located in North York, ON
This Jules Deroubaix display cabinet secretaire is timeless, functional, and effortlessly chic. Made of burl sandalwood, it showcases a drop door paneled wit...
Brass, Chrome
$28,180
H 52.76 in W 26.38 in D 14.97 in
Rare Golden Lacquer and Brass Maison Jansen Secretary Cabinet 1970s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Paris, IDF
An exciting example of French design firm Maison Jansen’s commissioned pieces. This secretary cabinet is made from solid mahogany, lacquered in a rich dark brown and bronze–golden fi...
Brass
$6,955
H 84.26 in W 46.26 in D 23.63 in
White-Painted Secretary Desk with Glazed Cabinet, 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Elegant secretary desk with glazed upper cabinet and a gracefully broken arched pediment. The softly patinated finish in pale blue-gray lends the piece a charming antique character. ...
Brass
Secretary Cabinet by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A Macassar ebony secretaire side cabinet with a rectangular stepped top above an open recess and a fall front enclosing a fitted interior, flan...
Macassar
$4,101
H 72.84 in W 32.29 in D 15.36 in
Italian modern walnut wood archive cabinet with brass details, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern walnut wood archive cabinet with brass details, 1940s. Office filing cabinet in walnut wood with double column of drawers with brass details. 1940 ca. Good condition. ...
Brass
Michel Pigneres Brass Chrome Black Cabinet Secretaire, 1970s
By Michel Pigneres
Located in Paris, IDF
Unique French Mid-Century Modern cabinet secrétaire by Michel Pigneres made in the early 1970s. This piece is an exquisite example of refined, highly detailed and very well made furn...
Brass, Chrome
$2,782Sale Price|20% Off
H 59.26 in W 49.41 in D 20.67 in
Henri 2 Cabinet or Secretaire in Sculpted Oak Renaissance Style, 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Rare cabinet desk Henri II style in carved oak. The base is made up of two boxes each with a drawer and a door carved and framed by columns. On the wooden top rests the cabinet treat...
Oak
Unique Antique Cast Brass Double Inkwell from France, Early 1900s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Antique cast brass inkwell features 2 ceramic ink depositories with pen rests, all highly decorated in a Victorian style. It most likely dates t...
Brass
$12,500Sale Price|30% Off
H 87 in W 42.5 in D 20 in
Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored
By Giovanni Garibaldi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the elegance of mid-20th century Italian craftsmanship with this beautifully restored secretary cabinet, crafted circa 1950. Designed by the renowned Italian artist Paolo Buffa (1903-1970), and featuring intricate brass intarsia by Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), this piece is a testament to both artistry and functionality. The upper section is framed by glazed doors adorned with brass star inlays. Unlocking these doors reveals a burgundy velvet-lined interior with two fixed glass shelves. Above, a majestic brass-inlaid swan neck split-pediment design crowns the case. Opening the secretary desk door unveils a gorgeous fruitwood fitted interior accented with inlaid trim. A central brass crest with a working lock and decorated brass key adds a touch of security and sophistication. Flanked by three drawers on either side, each adorned with decorated brass knobs in similar style of Tommi Parzinger, the desk provides ample storage with its five central file dividers. The lower cabinet features a pair of finely reeded doors that open to reveal additional finished storage space. Supported by brass sabots, every detail of this secretary showcases exceptional craftsmanship and enduring beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection of fine furniture. The two parts can separate for easier transportation and shipping. There are brackets on the reverse that help to hold the top in place while in use. This Italian secretary cabinet...
Brass
$213,408 / item
H 90.56 in W 56.3 in D 20.87 in
W029 Cabinet, Citronnier Wood & Marble with Gilt Bronze & Gold, Zanaboni
By Zanaboni
Located in MEDA, IT
W029 is a masterpiece cabinet in citronnier, with 46 marble “Bianco B” elements, crystal bowls, 70 Kg of brass details finishing gold 24 Kts, bas-relief in marble, inlaid in mother o...
Wood