Diego Giacometti

Private Collection, United States (acquired directly from the artist circa 1965 and sold: Christie's, New York, May 15, 1997, lot 339)
Acquired at the above sale

Daniel Marchesseau, Diego Giacometti, Paris, 1986, illustration of another cast p. 69
François Baudot, Diego Giacometti, Paris, 2001, illustration of another cast p. 77

This work is in very good condition. Brown patina. There are a few scattered pindots of plaster residue and some minor patina rubbing around the center of the trunk of the piece.
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.

Diego Giacometti is perhaps best known as the frequent model for his brother Alberto's sculptures, paintings and drawings. Diego assisted Alberto in the construction and creation of the latter's sculptures and from 1930 onward worked with him to create commissions for Jean-Michel Frank, the acclaimed French interior designer. Diego continued to work alongside Alberto until the latter's death in 1966. Diego would devote the remainder of his life to the decorative arts.

Porte-manteaux perfectly exemplify Diego Giacometti's style as a designer and creator. The present work, in which a tree's roots and trunk extend to branches that support a small, sculpted owl and, potentially, coats and cloaks, epitomizes Diego's oeuvre. As Robert Wernick writes, “Diego had very clear and simple ideas of what furniture should be like: simple, practical, comfortable, solid. What he built happened to also have a strength and grace, a wiriness and self-assurance that set it apart from any other furniture” (in Françoise Francisci, Diego Giacometti, Catalogue de l'oeuvre, vol. I, Paris, 1986, p. 20).

Fig. 1 Martine Franck, Diego dans son atelier, 1978, photograph