Diego Giacometti

Sale: Sotheby Parke Bernet Monaco S.A., Arts Décoratifs Styles 1900 et 1925, 24 September 1978, part lot 210
Acquired directly from the above

The model exhibited:

Zürich, Museum Bellerive, Diego Giacometti: Möbel und Objekte aus Bronze, 1986, p. 16, pl. 3, cat. no. 35
Paris, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 1986
Milan, Fondazione Antonio Mazzotta, I Giacometti, la valle, il mondo, 2000, p. 244
Paris, Galerie l'Arc en Seine, Diego Giacometti, 2003, pp. 10 & 54
Bern, Kunstmuseum, Hommage an 'E.W.K': Meisterwerke von Giovanni, Alberto und Diego Giacometti aus der Sammlung von Eberhard W. Kornfeld, 2003, p. 175, cat. no. 70

Michel Butor, Diego Giacometti, Paris, 1985, pp. 116, 131, & 139
Françoise Francisci, Diego Giacometti, catalogue de l'oeuvre, Vol. I, Paris, 1986, p. 70
Daniel Marchesseau, Diego Giacometti, Paris, 1986, p. 83, back cover
François Baudot, Diego Giacometti, Paris, 1998, p. 75

Some unevenness to patination, but this is to be expected of the material. Some scattered white deposits throughout lower half. Some spots of red paint to seat frame, possibly to inhibit rust. Leather seat overall with marks, unevenness of colour, and wear to the edge where it abuts the frame. Seat probably re-upholstered. Otherwise good.
"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."

The 'Fauteuil à têtes de lionnes' is one of Giacometti's most celebrated designs, and is the chair which the artist himself is seated in for his last photograph, taken just a few days before his death.

This armchair was conceived in 1964, after one of Giacometti's best clients, who was born under the astrological sign of Leo, requested a chair which reflected her Zodiac symbol. Taking the 1963 fauteuil `Fauteuil aux pommeaux de canne' as a model (see preceding two lots), Giacometti added the two lions' heads to the armrests, otherwise leaving this new chair the same as the earlier model. Shortly afterward however Giacometti created a second version of this chair with lions' paws decorating the front feet, and it is this version which has become one of the artist's most popular creations.