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.
Set of Four Chrome Dining Chairs by Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
Mid Century Harry Bertoia for Knoll Black Wire Side Chair
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Harry Bertoia for Knoll Black Side Chair No label present. Black Metal with original vinyl cushion. Visible use and wear. Dimensions: 30 h x 20.75 w x 22.75...
Metal
1990s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Dining / Side Chair
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Wire Dining Side Chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, originally introduced in 1952. This particular example was produced in the 1990s and features a welded steel wir...
Steel
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
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
$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
Knoll Bertoia Diamond Chair in Matte Black
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Stamford, CT
Renowned sculptor Harry Bertoia was invited by Florence Knoll to explore how his artistic experiments might translate into furniture design. There was no specific brief, only an open...
Metal, Steel
1980s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining/Side Chairs in White with Red Pads
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Bertoia Side Chairs, designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 1980s. Their design consists of welded steel r...
Steel
Early Pair Harry Bertoia Molded Fiberglass Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched Pair molded fiberglass shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1966 ,Classic modernist ...
Iron
1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Small Diamond Chair with Fabric Upholstery
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bertoia Small Diamond Chair, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1960s. The chair's design is comp...
Steel
1980s Set of Six Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs with Full Cushions
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six Bertoia Side Chairs, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. These particular examples date to the 1980s. Their design consists of ...
Steel
3 Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wire Side Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll Int
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
1960s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Childs Chairs in White
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Child's Bertoia Side Chairs, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1955. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1960s. The design is c...
Steel
1950s Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bertoia Side / Dining Chair
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bertoia Two Tone side chair, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1952. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1950s. The design is comprised of...
Steel
1960s Harry Bertoia for Knoll 427 P Side Chair in Yellow Fiberglass from IBM
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bertoia Side Chair, model 427 P, initially designed in 1960 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The seat of the piece is m...
Steel
2011 Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Wire Dining Side Chairs with Full Pads
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of classic Bertoia Side Chairs, Model 420c, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular pair dates to 2011. Their design cons...
Steel, Chrome
2010s Pair of Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs in Satin Chrome
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Bertoia Side Chairs, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular pair dates to the 2010s. Their design consists of a welde...
Steel
1950s Set of Four Harry Bertoia for Knoll Child Size Side Chair No. 425-N
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Child's Bertoia Side Chair with seat cushion, originally designed by Harry Bertoia in 1955. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA in the 1...
Steel
2021 Pair of Knoll Bertoia Side Chairs in Steel w/ Full Seat Covers in Fabric
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of classic Bertoia side chairs, model 420c, originally designed in 1952 by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. This particular pair dates to 2021. The listed price ...
Steel, Chrome
Five Harry Bertoia Chrome Wire Dining Chairs by Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
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
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
Midcentury Chrome Bar Stools by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
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
$1,449Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 29 in W 24 in D 24 in
White Wire Side Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, Pair Circa 1952
By Knoll
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Bertoia Side Chair is a timeless icon of mid-century modern design, originally created by Italian-born sculptor and designer Harry Bertoia in 1952 for Knoll. Renowned for its air...
Aluminum
4x BERTOIA Chairs, Model 420, Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Neuss, NW
BERTOIA chair, model 420, designed in the 1940s by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Frame made of wire mesh with a new felt cover in grey. The offer includes 4 chairs. Quality Features: ver...
Metal
1978 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Bird Chair and Ottoman w/ Knoll Labels
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
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
$1,900 / set
H 28.5 in W 21 in D 25 in
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 mesh metal seats and sled legs. Additional set of 4 & two additional sets of 6 available separate...
Metal
Diamond lounge chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, 1970s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Hilversum, NL
The Diamond Chair is an astounding study in space, form, and function by one of the master sculptors of the last century. Like Saarinen and Mies, Bertoia found sublime grace in an in...
Steel
$1,806Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 33 in W 18 in D 21 in
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Four
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric. The set include...
Wood
Diamond Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Brussels, BE
Diamond chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International, 6 available Sold par piece 1250€.
Chrome
$7,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.75 in W 22.5 in D 20.5 in
Set of 6 Gae Aulenti for Knoll International 'Orsay' Dining Chairs 1984, Signed
By Gae Aulenti, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking set of six (6) 'Orsay' dining chairs was designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International, one of the most respected producers of modern design in the twentieth century....
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 21 in D 22.45 in
4x BERTOIA Chairs, Model 420, Harry Bertoia for Knoll, , Classic Modern Design
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid Century mODERN Side chair designed by Harry Bertoia manufactured by Knoll.. Retain they're original rubber coated finish designed to use outside if desired..Have always ...
Metal
Sold
H 29.25 in W 21.25 in D 24 in
Mid Century Modern Set of 4 Harry Bertoia for Knoll Dining Side Chairs
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 4 Harry Bertoia for Knoll side chairs. An iconic chair featuring chrome rods and a black leather seat pad. This set of chai...
Chrome
1952 Harry Bertoia Distressed Side Chair White
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1952 Harry Bertoia Knoll side chair white wire unmarked 30 h x 21.25 w x 21.25 d x Seat 18 h Original unrestored preowned vintage distressed condition. Please refer to all images.
Metal, Wire
Bertoia Side Chairs with Seat Pads c.2014-Price per chair
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Sold as a set only. Contact us for more shipping options: S16 Home San Francisco. Featuring delicate filigreed construction that's supremely strong, the airy seats of the ...
Metal
Mid Century Harry Bertoia Children's Black Wire Side Chairs for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Iconic midcentury Harry Bertoia black wire mesh side chairs for Knoll International, children's Size, circa 1970. Hans and Florence never insisted that Harry Bertoia design furnit...
Metal
Harry Bertoia side chairs in chrome 1980s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Den Haag, NL
Iconic Harry Bertoia side chair . Chrome wire chairs .with there slabs ,in Black limitation leather. Very good condition .
Chrome
Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair for Knoll
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Astoria, NY
Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia (American, 1915 - 1978) Diamond Chair for Knoll (designed 1952) in white with black base and one seat cushion (black). 30" H x 34" W x 25" D; seat he...
Metal
Sold
H 29 in W 21 in D 22 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Wire Side or Dining Chairs by Harry Bertoia for Knoll
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic design by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. It features steel frames with blue suede seat cushion. Manufacturer stamp on frame. Price includes the pair as shown.
Steel
Harry Bertoia Chrome Side Chair for Knoll, Vintage
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage chrome mesh side chair designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll. Comes with original beige hopsack seat pad. Designer: Harry Bertoia Manufacturer: Knoll Origin: USA Year 1960...
Metal
1960's Harry Bertoia Wire Side Chairs for Knoll-Set of Four
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Trenton, NJ
This iconic mid-century design from Harry Bertoia for Knoll furniture features comfortable space saving wire frames with lightly padded seat covers. The matching set of four feature ...
Metal
Vintage Harry Bertoia for Knoll Black Wire Chairs, a Set of 5
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Esperance, NY
This is a very nice set of Bertoia dining chairs made by Knoll ca 1970's - 1980s The chairs are in very good original condition.
Metal
Sold
H 29.93 in W 33.47 in D 28.75 in
1960s "421" Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An early 1960s "421" Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia for Knoll International. Two are available. Harry Bertoia's striking 421 chair is welded from steel rods and coated in Rilsan p...
Steel