Dozens of important designs from the 20th and 21st centuries will be auctioned by Christie’s in its vast Design Sale in New York on June 8. Imaginative furniture by two Giacometti brothers are some of the highlights, while rare vessels, furniture and lighting from stars like Jean Royère and Ettore Sottsass are also on display, courtesy of several esteemed private collections.
Although the Giacometti name has remained prominent in design since the arrival of brothers Alberto and Diego in the 20th century, Christie’s seems to be on a roll with the duo, having held a sale dedicated to their wares. last december and prepares for another on the horizon. Earlier this year, an ornate chandelier by Alberto Giacometti, discovered in a thrift store, sold for nearly $3 million.
Albert Giacometti, Big Leaf floor lamp (designed circa 1933–34). Courtesy of Christie’s.
“Alberto and Diego Giacometti are prominent in the market today,” Victoria Tudor, head of sales at Christie’s, told Artnet News. “In 2022 alone, Christie’s sold over $112 million in sales for Alberto and Diego Giacometti, with 22 lots selling for over $1 million. High prices like these bring more works to market .
“The success of this market is largely due to the fact that Giacometti designs are timeless, modern and conducive to a multitude of interior tastes,” she continued. “You can see an evolution of design in Alberto’s body of work stemming from Big Leaf, with its sensual silhouette close to the archetypal elongated human figures of his work. Christie’s expects the patinated bronze lamp to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000, though Tudor said the sale’s estimates were conservative.
Hans Cooper, Jar with Ring ‘Saturn’ (circa 1966). Courtesy of Christie’s.
Tudor thinks a series of understated earthenware by British artists Lucie Rie and Hans Coper will “work quite well”. In addition, three creations by famous French designer Claude Lalanne will join the sale: Plant Structure hanging lamp from 2013 (estimated between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000), a Ginkgo dining room approx. 1999, and a rare Hosta mirror (estimated between $500,000 and $700,000) made in 2012.
Claude Lalanne, Ginkgo dining room chairs (1999). Courtesy of Christie’s.
A range of unmistakable iridescent Favrile glass works from Tiffany Studios – featuring black-eyed Susan, peony and wisteria flowers – round out the June design sale, alongside more abstract images featured on paperweights and vases inspired by other peacock flowers and feathers.
Tiffany studios, Pony Wisteria table lamp (circa 1915). Courtesy of Christie’s
Contemporary design is represented in the sale through works by Judy McKie, Philippe Anthonioz, Ingrid Donat, Wendell Castle and Ron Arad. A full list of lots has not been posted online, so there is a chance that this sale may hold more surprises. Until then, offerings will be on display at Christie’s Rockefeller Center headquarters June 2-7, with the live auction scheduled for June 8.
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