Mid-Century Modern Armchair and Ottoman by Franz T. Sartori, Flexform, 1965

Although Franz Sartori was best known as a sculptor, he was also a talented furniture designer who produced low-slung, streamlined lounge chairs, sofas and other mid-century modern pieces.

Sartori was born Teodoro Antonio Franz Sartori in Milan in 1927. His most fruitful period of designing furniture came in the 1960s and ’70s. During that time, Sartori collaborated with Italian manufacturer Flexform on armchairs, living room sets, sofas and lounge chairs featuring plump cushions, geometric silhouettes and undulating legs. Sartori’s seating was extremely comfortable and came upholstered in fine leather, soft velvet or luxurious bouclé. Additionally, he worked with furniture company Cristal Arte on wall mirrors made of glass, lacquer and crystal arranged in layers of concentric circles.

Throughout his design career, Sartori participated in numerous exhibitions and received several awards, including first prize for design at the International Competition Fiera di Trieste, the Papal Lateran Gold Cross at the Vatican in 1968, the Europremio of Honor for Design in 1970 and La Madonnina International Award in Milan in 1973.

Today, Sartori’s artworks and furniture pieces are found in public and private collections around the world.

On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Franz T. Sartori seating, mirrors and other furniture.