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.
$8,500
Harry Bertoia Monoprint
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Large mono-print by Harry Bertoia, initialed and numbered 1857 on rice paper set mounted in oiled walnut frame. From the Bertoia Family collection. A beautiful rendering of his sculp...
Paper
$8,500
Harry Bertoia monotype
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Monotype by Harry Bertoia, initialed and numbered 1860 on rice paper set mounted in oiled walnut frame. From the Bertoia Family collection. A beautiful rendering of his sculptures id...
Paper
Early Important Harry Bertoia Monotype
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Important Harry Bertoia Monotype, One of his first works on paper, Monoprint on Rice Raper Signed to verso ‘HB’. Inscribed to lower right ...
Paper
Very Rare Harry Bertoia Monoprint on Rice Paper
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Munich, DE
Purchased at la modern around 20 years ago. Size is of the visible picture inside passe-partout.
Paint
HARRY BERTOIA Original pen drawing, Mushroom, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
UNTITLED (Mushroom), CA. 1960 Black ink on Strathmore-Velin H 21 W 27.8 (excl. frame) With certificate of authenticity of the estate Harry Bertoia by Celia Bertoia, Utah, 01.06.2022 ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
A rare display of 6 Harry Bertoia Monoprints, circa 1960s. Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his scul...
Wood, Paper
$4,800
Harry Bertoia monoprint
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
After an intense day of casting and welding mid-century artist Harry Bertoia (American, born Italian. 1915-1978) would unwind by creating one-of-a-kind prints, laying rice paper on a...
Paper
Collectible Monochromatic Harry Bertoia Print
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Fascinating monographic by Harry Bertoia having surrealistic style probably influenced by Odilon Redon and Paul Klee. Handsomely matted and framed.
Paper
Original pen drawing by HARRY BERTOIA, Bushes, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
UNTITLED (BUSHES), CA. 1960 Black ink on Strathmore-Velin H 21 W 27.8 (excl. frame) With certificate of authenticity of the estate Harry Bertoia by Celia Bertoia, Utah, 01.06.2022 (i...
Paper
Very Rare Harry Bertoia Monoprint on Rice Paper
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Munich, DE
Purchased at la modern around 20 years ago. It´s the size of the work - not the frame.
Paper
Nicolas de Larmessin Etching, Habit de Tabletier
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Nicolas de Larmessin Etching – Habit de Tabletier. 20th century print. Nicolas de Larmessin (1640-1725) was an enormously creative and productive artist. Nicolas was part of a long ...
Wood, Paper
$1,081
H 2.76 in W 12.21 in D 12.21 in
Important Wall Ceramic Abstract Plate Decoration by JN Gerard French Pottery
By Jean Nicolas Gerard
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
J.N. Gerard French ceramic wall plate realised in the 1990s. Excellent original conditions, signed under the base Dimensions: 7 x 31 x 31cm.
Pottery
Large Framed Lithograph by Tony Friedlaender
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large framed lithograph by Tony Friedlaender. Signed and numbered 44/95. Nicely framed over canvas.
Glass, Wood, Paper
Joe Kelley Original Squirrel Pen Drawings on Leather with Hoop Frames
Located in Savannah, GA
Offered are three Joe Kelley original pen drawings of squirrels on suede leather in hand crafted tied hoop frames. Very unique pieces bush-crafted from natural materials. Twigs ben...
Leather
Harry Bertoia monoprint
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
After an intense day of casting and welding mid-century artist Harry Bertoia (American, born Italian. 1915-1978) would unwind by creating one-of-a-kind prints, laying rice paper on a...
Paper
$280Sale Price|20% Off
H 20 in W 31.75 in D 0.4 in
1960s Modern Art Original Architectural Block Print signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Architectural block print, signed Art Art 26.75 wide x 16.5 tall Mat 31.75 x 20. Unrestored original vintage condition wear is visible. review images provided.
Paper
French Engraving, "Le Premier Pas a la Fortune" in Gilded Frame
Located in Pembroke, MA
French engraving in a 19th century entitled "Le Premier Pas A La Fortune" on hand-laid paper with a decorative giltwood frame. A charming double-entendre scene of seduction. Du Bois ...
Giltwood, Paper
Large Framed Lithograph by Tony Friedlaender
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Framed Lithograph by Tony Friedlaender. Signed and numbered 44/95. Nicely framed over canvas.
Glass, Wood, Paper
French Drawing in Pen and Gouache by André Arbus, Paris, 1938
By André Arbus
Located in New York, NY
Gouache and pen work by André Arbus (1903-1969). Signed Andre Arbus. Origin: Drawing of dining table by Andre Arbus for the apartment of Mme Pedersen, Paris, 1938. Literature:...
$557
H 10.63 in W 14.38 in D 0.02 in
Rare Hand-Colored Antique Engraving of Flora Lying on a Bed Surrounded by Angels
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Flora'. It shows Flora lying on a bed between the trees. Two angels scatter flowers over her. Around her putti, satyrs and women who collect flowers...
Paper
Vintage Thai Temple Charcoal Rubbing on Rice Paper
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Thai Temple charcoal rubbing. Hand crafted temple scenes at the Wat Pho temple located in Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok Thailand...
Paper
$364Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.3 in W 13.78 in D 0.79 in
Vintage Handmade Drawing Poster, Mid-Century Modern Italy, 1960s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
A vintage hand made drawing poster. Made in Italy typical home decor of the time. Good conditions.
Paper
Original Vintage Print by Harry Clarke. C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image by Harry Clarke Lithograph. Published C.1920 Unframed Free shipping
Paper
Large Framed Lithograph by Tony Friedlaender
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Framed Lithograph by Tony Friedlaender. Signed and numbered 44/95. Nicely framed over canvas.
Glass, Paper, Wood
Original Vintage Print by Harry Clarke. C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image by Harry Clarke Lithograph. Published C.1920 Unframed Free shipping
Paper
Harry Bertoia monoprint
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Dallas, TX
After an intense day of casting and welding mid-century artist Harry Bertoia (American, born Italian. 1915-1978) would unwind by creating one-of-a-kind prints, laying rice paper on a...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monoprint on Rice Paper, USA, 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monoprints in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive ...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monotype on Rice Paper, USA 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monotypes in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive a...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Framed Monotype on Rice Paper, USA 1960s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
Bertoia created hundreds if not thousands of one of a kind monotypes in his career, often as working drawings for his sculpture works. He employed a variety of techniques to arrive a...
Paper
Harry Bertoia Untitled Suspended Gong Sculpture with COA, circa 1975
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sublime, single slab gong in cut, hammered and drilled brass by Harry Bertoia with slits at either end, suspended by jute cord. Beautiful scale with surface exhibiting original, un...
Brass