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
$2,128Sale Price / set|24% 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 Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
$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
$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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Set of 6 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
Set of 6 White Metal Indoor / Outdoor Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
Set of Six Harry Bertoia Model 420 Chairs for Knoll International, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A striking matching set of six vintage Model 420 Side Chairs designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Bertoia designed his celebrated wire furniture collection for Knoll i...
Steel
1986 Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Chairs with Original Full Pads
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
Pair of Harry BERTOIA chairs (mod. 420), Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Berlin, Berlin
A pair of Side Chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia. U.S.A., Knoll International. Vintage pair of chrome-plated side chairs with blue seat and back covers. The Bertoia Side Chair, or...
Metal
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
$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
Pair of Bertoia child's chairs by Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
$1,045 / set
H 28.75 in W 21.26 in D 22.84 in
Pair of Bertoia Chairs in chrome-plated steel by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Pair of Bertoia Chairs in chrome-plated steel by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, Made in Italy, 1970s. Pair of Bertoia chairs in chrome-plated steel made in the 1970s by Harry Bertoia for ...
Steel
$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 Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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
Vintage Warren Platner Bronze Dining Chairs for Knoll - Set of Four
By Knoll, Warren Platner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of four bronze wire frame upholstered dining chairs in original burnt orange and red fabric. Designer: Warren Platner Manufacturer: Knoll International Year: 1960s Origin: US...
Bronze
$3,948 / set
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 22.84 in
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
$1,200
H 30 in W 34 in D 27 in
Mid-Century Modern Red Wire Diamond Lounge Patio Chair by Harry Bertoia Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic diamond chair designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll. This chair features a red factory powder coat. Always used indoors but could be used as a patio chair.
Wire
Set of Four Bar Stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Dallas, TX
Acquired from retired architects estate. Set of four early production bar stools by Harry Bertoia, designed in 1952 for Knoll. The bar stools are constructed of molded fiberglass and...
Iron
1978 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Chair and Ottoman w/ Knoll Labels
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird chair and ottoman that we had completely redone. The covers have been replaced. The chair and ottoman retain their original Knoll 745 Park Av...
Steel
Harry Bertoia for Knoll Vintage Bird Lounge Chair
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Saint Louis, US
Harry Bertoia for Knoll International bird chair. This iconic lounge chair and ottoman were originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952 and manufactured by Knoll International. Each...
Metal
$2,700 / set
H 30 in W 33.25 in D 28.25 in
Mid Century Silver Diamond Wire Lounge Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Detroit, MI
This pair of vintage mid century modern diamond wire lounge chairs designed by Harry Bertoia (American, 1915-1978) for Knoll are circa 1970. Originally designed by Bertoia in 1952, t...
Steel, Wire
$2,903 / set
H 38.19 in W 37.8 in D 35.04 in
Bird Chair with Ottoman by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in bruxelles, BE
Black metal armchair and ottoman by Harry Bertoia. Model: Bird. Ottoman dimensions: H: 59 cm W: 39 cm D: 42 cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BE...
Metal
Sold
H 29.14 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Pair of 420 dining chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A refined pair of model 420 dining chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and produced by Knoll International in the 1970s. Among the most celebrated achievements of post-war American des...
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 Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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 Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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 Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
Set of 6 Bertoia Wire Chairs with Original Yellow Cushions by Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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 Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
Sold
H 30 in W 21 in D 22.5 in
2000s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Chrome Wire Dining / Side Chairs
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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