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Lot 114
  • 114

Pietro Chiesa

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
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Description

  • Pietro Chiesa
  • Chest of Drawers
  • walnut, glass, brass

Literature

domus, no. 128, August 1938, p. 9 for a related example
'Alcuni Rimarchevoli Pezzi di Fontana', domus, no. 132, December 1938, p. 41 for a related example
'I Mobili 'Essenziali' di Pietro Chiesa', domus, no. 234, March 1949, p. 38 for a related example
Laura Falconi, Fontana Arte: Una storia trasparente, Milan, 1998, p. 208, fig. 75 for a related example
Franco Deboni, Fontana Arte: Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, Max Ingrand, Milan, 2012, figs 181 and 183 for related examples

Condition

Overall very good condition consistent with age and gentle use. Three minor splits to the bottom of one glass panel on one drawer, each approximately 1 x 2 cm. one split to the glass on the top of one glass panel on one drawer, approximately 2x4 cm. Minor scattered oxidation and spotting to the glass throughout. Minor lifting of the wooden veneer, concentrated to the left and right side wooden panels which are not visually distracting and appear stable, with a few mild scuffs and scratches. Three of the brass handles are slightly loose. The rear panel was replaced at one point, and later mounting brackets installed so the chest could be wall mounted.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

'In these pieces, Pietro Chiesa has achieved, in the realization of the furniture and in its characterization with the use of crystal, the ‘essence’ in which the lines are drawn to their absolute expression... but I also define this furniture as essential. This essential is in an absolute purification of elements, in a line pulled to extremes of purity, to an impeccable calligraphy, which makes us excited about them…’, Gio Ponti, 1949

Gio Ponti’s words are nothing less than a perfect description of the furniture designs of one of the undisputed masters of crys✨tal, Pietro Chiesa. In a career lasting less than thirty years, Chiesa’s entire oeuvre presents us with a man whose life was fiercely dedicated to this most evocative and mysterious material.

Beginning in 1919, Chiesa’s three year appജrenticeship with designer and glass maker Giovan Batti🧸sta Gianotti no doubt formed the basis for the founding of his ‘Bottega’ in 1921, where his genius quickly became apparent. Refusing to be limited to the styles of the time, and on the advice of Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa joined Fontana Arte in 1934. It was here that he continued to reinvent himself, devising new and innovative ways to push the boundaries of crystal to its absolute limit.

This rare chest of drawers is one of his most successful designs, and represents the ideal consummation of what Gio Ponti described𒁃 as ‘an absolute purification of the elements.’ The fire of the furnaces is evident in its flowing, curved surface. The means of producing such large, complex pieces to Chiesa’s exacting standards required technical abilities of the highest degree. 😼‘Pietro del Vetro: the miracles of fire and light continue to enchant my ever virginal spirit… are the dire fires at last extinguished and glass become glorious light?’ pronounced the writer Gabriele D’Annunzio whilst awaiting a commission from Chiesa in 1925.

Today the designs of Pietro Chiesa continue to enchant and entrance. Their mystery and form situate this cabinet perfectly amongst the contemporary canon of artists such as Anish Kapoor who continue to pursue reflectivity in their own works. Chiesa’s radical approach to crystal serves as testament to his own contemporary way of thinking. Gio Ponti declared his designs as ‘works of abstract art’, and defined his contributions in crystal as a gift to the world: ‘When we wish to give presents and go to choose them at Fontana Arte, there is always Pietro Chiesa who in turn gives us a present: the gift of ever new and pleasing✱ ideas, enchanting ‘inventions’, executed by Fontana with the perfection of which Chiesa is the most demanding director and master.’