Sculptor, furniture and jewelry designer, graphic artist and metalsmith, Harry Bertoia was one of the great cross-disciplinarians of 20th-century art and design and a central figure in American mid-century modernism. Among furniture aficionados, Bertoia is known for his chairs such as the wire-lattice Diamond chair (and its variants such as the tall-backed Bird chair) designed for Knoll Inc. and first released in 1952.
As an artist, he is revered for a style that was his alone. Bertoia’s metal sculptures are by turns expressive and austere, powerful and subtle, intimate in scale and monumental. All embody a tension between the intricacy and precision of Bertoia’s forms and the raw strength of his materials: steel, brass, bronze and copper.
Fortune seemed to guide Bertoia’s artistic development. Born in northeastern Italy, Bertoia immigrated to the United States at age 15, joining an older brother in Detroit. He studied drawing and metalworking in the gifted student program at Cass Technical High School. Recognition led to awards that culminated, in 1937, in a teaching scholarship to attend the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Bloomfield Hills, one of the great crucibles of modernism in America.
At Cranbrook, Bertoia made friendships — with architect Eero Saarinen, designers Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Schust Knoll and others — that shaped the course of his life. He taught metalworking at the school, and when materials rationing during World War II limited the availability of metals, Bertoia focused on jewelry design. He also experimented with monotype printmaking, and 19 of his earliest efforts were bought by the Guggenheim Museum.
In 1943, he left Cranbrook to work in California with the Eameses, helping them develop their now-famed plywood furniture. (Bertoia received scant credit.) Late in that decade, Florence and Hans Knoll persuaded him to move east and join Knoll Inc. His chairs became and remain perennial bestsellers. Royalties allowed Bertoia to devote himself full-time to metal sculpture, a medium he began to explore in earnest in 1947.
By the early 1950s Bertoia was receiving commissions for large-scale works from architects — the first came via Saarinen — as he refined his aesthetic vocabulary into two distinct skeins. One comprises his “sounding sculptures” — gongs and “Sonambient” groupings of rods that strike together and chime when touched by hand or by the wind. The other genre encompasses Bertoia’s naturalistic works: abstract sculptures that suggest bushes, flower petals, leaves, dandelions or sprays of grass.
As you will see on these pages, Harry Bertoia was truly unique; his art and designs manifest a wholly singular combination of delicacy and strength.
Find vintage Harry Bertoia sculptures, armchairs, benches and other furniture and art on 1stDibs.
Five Harry Bertoia Chrome Wire Dining Chairs by Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in San Mateo, CA
Set of five Harry Bertoia side chairs manufactured by Knoll. These chairs date to around 1970. They have a chrome finish. The chairs have black vinyl seat pads. The pads are Knoll re...
Chrome
Set of Four Chrome Dining Chairs by Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in New York, NY
Set of matching Bertoia side, or dining, chairs in chrome with original white pad seat covers. This nice set is in very fine, original, clean and ready to use condition, the only cav...
Chrome
Set of 4 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of four indoor / outdoor chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll feature white mesh metal seats and sled legs. Additional set of 4 & two additional sets of 6 available separate...
Metal
$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Knoll Bertoia Dining Chairs
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 6 classic Knoll dining chairs by Harry Bertoia. Welded steel with rods in a matte white finish. Original yellow vinyl seat cushions with dated labels included. Good vintage c...
Steel
Harry Bertoia Mid-Century Modern Vintage Four White Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Vienna, AT
Bertoia Mid-Century Modern vintage set of 4 dining chair or side chair, which show a white coated metal construction. This iconic design by Harry Bertoia was designed in the 1950s an...
Metal
$3,000Sale Price / set|33% Off
Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Set of four molded shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1963 and...
Metal
Set of 6 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of mid century modern indoor / outdoor chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll feature white painted metal seats with signature mesh back atop sled legs. Additional set of six ch...
Metal
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Black Wire Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six wire dining chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, represents one of the most iconic and enduring designs of mid-century modern furniture. Introduced in the ear...
Metal
Set of 4 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of four indoor / outdoor chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll feature white metal construction with mesh style seat atop sled legs. One set of 4 chairs available separately. T...
Metal
2000s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Chair in Chrome 10x Available
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bertoia Side Chair, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 2000s. Their design consists of a welded, ch...
Steel
Set of 4 Dining Chairs designed by Harry BERTOIA for Knoll International, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Berlin, Berlin
A set of black and white Side Chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia. U.S.A., Knoll International, 1970s. Vintage set of side chairs with burnt orange-coloured velvet pads. The Bertoia S...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Bertoia Wire Bar Counter Stool
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Single Knoll bar stool by Harry Bertoia. Seat pad labeled with tag and printed into the fabric Knoll. Has some loss to vinyl coating, pictured. Very ti...
Steel
Set of 6 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Freehold, NJ
This set of mid century modern indoor / outdoor chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll feature white painted metal seats with signature mesh back atop sled legs. Additional set of six ch...
Metal
Knoll Bertoia saddle leather Side Chair 420, Set of 6
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Munich, Bavaria
In 2016, Knoll introduced the Bertoia chair in a version featuring a seat shell made of thick saddle leather. This set of 6 chairs are bought in 2017. Designed by Harry Bertoia Beau...
Metal, Chrome
3 Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wire Side Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Int
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Timeless and fabulous design by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Set of 3 classic beauties with full leather pads for seats and backs. All labeled and in very good condition wi...
Steel
Mid Century White Metal Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern indoor / outdoor chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll features white painted metal seats atop a pair of sled legs. Two sets of 6 chairs and two sets of 4 chairs ...
Metal
1986 Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Chairs with Original Full Pads
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of classic Bertoia side chairs, model 420C, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These chairs have welded steel basket seats and retain their ori...
Steel
$6,595 / set
H 31.5 in W 27 in D 22 in
Set of 6 Knoll Executive Armchair Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of six (6) Eero Saarinen Mid Century Modern Executive Lounge Dining Armchairs by Knoll Associates. In what is original Knoll fabric which is serviceable and clean but s...
Steel, Chrome
$6,425 / set
H 39.38 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Six Vittorio Dassi Mid-Century Modern Italian Mahogany Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Six dining chairs designed by the famous Italian architect Vittorio Dassi, solid mahogany chairs and original eco-leather upholstery, in excellen...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Pair of Bertoia child's chairs by Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Highland, IN
The classic Bertoia wire chair was produced in the standard size for adults, but also in two smaller sizes for children. This pair is the larger of the two kid's sizes. They were often marketed with the Noguchi cyclone side table as a diminutive version of the dinette set to be used as a child's activity table...
Steel
Pair of Jens Risom 666 Side Chairs for Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Jens Risom chairs made in the 1940s, model “666” of the 600 series from 1941.
Birch
$2,300 / set
H 35.25 in W 22.25 in D 24.25 in
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Knoll Style Brno Dining Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of four vintage dining chairs features unique flat chrome frame cantilever design, with rounded armrests, and comfortably padded seats. Unique scrolled top seat back and stunning chrome finish add to Mid-Century charm of the set, with details added to the original Mies van der Rohe...
Chrome
Don Albinson Stacking Side Chairs by Knoll Set of 14
By Knoll, Don Albinson
Located in Highland, IN
Important industrial designer Don Albinson, a Cranbrook peer of Charles and Ray Eames, Ralph Rapson, Harry Bertoia and Eero Saarinen worked in the Eames office as head designer for 1...
Aluminum
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.25 in W 21 in D 20.5 in
Set of 6 Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Black Wire Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six wire dining chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, represents one of the most iconic and enduring designs of mid-century modern furniture. Introduced in the ear...
Metal
Midcentury Chrome Bar Stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century classic and iconic Bertoia for Knoll stools in a high chrome finish. Architectural design, clean original condition, ready to use. Very solid and sturdy showing no loss t...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Bertoia Wire Bar Counter Stool
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Single Knoll bar stool by Harry Bertoia. Seat pad labeled with tag and printed into the fabric Knoll. Has some loss to vinyl coating, pictured. Very ti...
Steel
$850 / item
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 21.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in New Bouclé Fabric by Spahn, Germany 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in New Bouclé Fabric by Spahn, Germany 1950s Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Spahn, Germany 1950s. Newly reupholstered in a of white bouclé fabr...
Bouclé, Beech
$750 / item
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 21.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Spahn Stadtlohn, Germany, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Spahn Stadtlohn, Germany, 1950s This set of Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, designed by Spahn, features original...
Bouclé, Beech
$1,150
H 30 in W 33.5 in D 28.25 in
2013 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Small Diamond Lounge Chair in Chrome w/ Fabric Seat
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bertoia Small Diamond lounge chair, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA circa 2013. The chair is made of ...
Steel
Sold
H 30.25 in W 21 in D 22 in
Mid Century Modern Silver Wire Dining Side Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of four vintage mid century modern silver wire side dining chairs designed by Harry Bertoia (American, 1915-1978) for Knoll are circa 1970. Originally designed by Bertoia in...
Steel, Wire
Sold
H 29.14 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Set of 4 dining chairs 420 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Set of four dining chairs model 420, design Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Early chairs from the 50s/60s which have been restored. New powder-coating finish in black & wh...
Steel
Sold
H 30.71 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Set of 6 Vintage Model 420 dining chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 6 model 420 dining chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll international. Hard to date these examples, we estimated them to be from the late 1980s - early 1990s Orange sea...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.71 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Large set of 16 Vintage Model 420 dining chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Huge set of 16 piece model 420 dining chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll international. Hard to date these examples, we estimated them to be from the late 1980s - early 1990s...
Chrome
Bertoia for Knoll Dining Chairs
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Side Chairs with white vinyl pads. Newer models that are still in very nice shape. Classic design that still looks fresh and new! Easy to move around ...
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 21.26 in D 22.84 in
Harry Bertoia Wirechair Sidechair 420 Knoll International Mid Century
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Berlin, BE
Harry Bertoia side chair, model 420, designed in the 1940s by Harry Bertoia for Knoll.
Steel
Sold
H 29 in W 20.75 in D 22.75 in
Set of four Harry Bertoia for Knoll chrome dining chairs with deep red cushions
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Ferndale, MI
Set of four Harry Beroia chrome side or dining chairs . Welded steel rods form the seat supported on 3/8" thick wrought iron frame . Original seat cushions in a deep red are in fine ...
Chrome
Sold
H 28.75 in W 22.84 in D 20.87 in
Set of 7 white coated wire chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
"I began to think in terms of what I would like as a chair. It started very slowly…I came into rod or wire, whether bent of straight. I seemed to find myself at home there”. Produced...
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 20.87 in D 22.84 in
Set of 7 Black and White wire chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
This rare configuration of the Harry Bertoia side chairs, featuring a white base paired with a black seating structure, deviates from the more common combinations typically seen in t...
Steel
Set of 6 Bertoia Wire Chairs with Original Yellow Cushions by Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of six newly restored wite Bertoia wire chairs model 420-2 produced by Knoll circa 1961 including original yellow Knoll seat cushions. These chairs have been freshly powder coated in gloss white and are suitable for outdoor use and well as indoor. They come with a new set of Lexan sled glides. This set comes from the home of the original owner who purchased them new in 1961 for use with the Richard Schultz Petal dining table...
Steel
Harry Bertoia #420 Wire Dining Chairs for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of four white wire dining chairs with black bases and bright yellow upholstered seat pads . A great special order combination making for a cheery and refined look and feel , de...
Metal
Sold
H 30 in W 21 in D 22.5 in
2000s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining / Side Chairs w/ Blue Pads, Set of 6
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are classic Bertoia side chairs, model 420c, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These chairs consist of welded chromed-steel wire seats & backs, and ret...
Steel, Chrome