Harry Bertoia

Marine Midland Bank, Buffalo, NY (acquired directly from the artist and sold: Sotheby's, New York, November 10, 2010, lot 11)
Acquired at the above sale by A. Alfred Taubman

Overall in very good condition. Minor scattered surface dirt concentrated and minute rubbing to the patina to the recessed portions of the design. The sculpture presents with a few minor areas of oxidation as seen in the catalogue illustration. A few of decorative elements which are attached to the horizontal geometric structure with evidence of slight bending and a few which appear partial or to have been lost, which are only visible upon very close inspection. The sculpture in the original setting of the Marine Midland Bank was likely inset in the architectural details of the building. The sculpture stands as shown in the catalogue, but would benefit from being affixed to a more permanent display base for stability. The rich gilt patina throughout enhances with deeply sculptural quality of this important work within the oeuvre of the artist. A rare opportunity to acquire an important commission piece done early in Bertoia’s career that originated from a Gordon Bunshaft designed building.
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 screen represents a stylistic continuation of Bertoia's work in the 1950s and early 1960s, and in particular his collaborations with the architect Gordon Bunshaft at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It bears a close resemblance to Bertoia’s famed mezzanine screen commissioned by Bunshaft in 1954 for one of his modernist masterworks, SOM's Manufacturer's Hanover Trust Building in New York.  Bunshaft, who was born in Buffalo in 1909, had a long architectural relationship with his hometown, and in 1961 he designed an addition to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. From 1969-1971, SOM designed Buffalo's tallest skyscraper, the 40-story One Marine Midland Center, which served as headquarters for Marine Midland Bank. The present screen was mounted as a sculpture in the lobby outside the restaurant on the 38th floor. While the exact details of the commission are unknown, it would appear to be the final chapter in the Bunshaft-Bertoia collaboration in Buffalo.

Please note that in the print catalogue for this sale, this lot appears as number 181T.