Gio Ponti

Fifty/50, New York, 1983
Collection of Sheila Metzner, New York

"The Ponti Pavillon," Architectural Forum, August 1960

Overall in very good condition. It is probable that the table was cleaned and lightly restored when it left its original interior in 1983. The overall table shows minor scratches, nicks and rubbing to the painted surface consistent with regular use. The paint scheme of the table is believed original to the commission. The white paint with rubbing to the edges, most noticeable to the edge which appears closest the viewer in the catalogue illustration and extends approximately half the length of the table and is concentrated in the middle. The top with three concentrated areas of loss to the paint, the largest measuring approximately one inch and appears darker in color. This is in the middle of the table. One area is lighter in its discoloration, possibly from inpainting. The base with less rubbing, consistent with use, but with some nicks, chips and dings to the feet. The brass sabot with light oxidation consistent with age and a few dings and scratches from use. Modern fastening hardware. The table with a superbly rendered sculptural base.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This lot is being sold with a certificate of authenticity from the Gio Ponti archives.  Sotheby's would like to thank Brian Kish for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.

 

Gio Ponti was no stranger to New York, and the great Italian architect completed several commissions there. Following his 1955 interior of the Alitalia ticket offices in the Tishman Building, 666 Fifth Avenue, Ponti was retained in 1959 to construct a state-of-the-art conference center on the 8th floor of the Time-Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, designed by Wallace Harrison. A breathless critic in Architectural Forum raved "The many-angled Italian cabinetwork, in blond wood, is beyond the capacity of American mechanical civilization." In fact, the furniture used throughout the space was made by the New York-based Singer and Sons, who had been producing work by Ponti, Carlo Mollino, Ico Parisi and others since 1951. However, the more complex biomorphic forms by Singer were made for them in Italy, and the present table is probably one of these pieces. Ponti's auditorium was gutted and renovated in 1981.