Harry Bertoia

Matthew and Selma Leibowitz, acquired directly from the artist
Christie's New York, September 23, 2005, lot 152
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Ceilia Bertoia, The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia, Atglen, PA, 2015, p. 65 
Nancy N. Schiffer & Val O. Bertoia, The World of Bertoia, Atglen, PA, 2003, p. 59 (for a period advertisement published by IBM featuring the present lot in the 1950s)

Overall in very good condition. The sculpture presents with light and minor surface dust to the intricate interior areas of the design. The wire elements with scattered traces of oxidation and a few minor, scattered losses to the brass coating. This is not at all visually detracting, but contributes to the dynamic and brilliant texture of the sculpture. When viewed in person, the brass coated lines and panes exhibit a delicate sense of movement and airy spatial depth which continues to evolve from each viewing angle.
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 offered together with a certificate of authenticity from the Harry Bertoia Foundation, Bozeman, Montana.

Light and airy in form, yet complex in design, wire constructions were a motif explored by Bertoia in the late 1940s and through 1960s.  Brass coated lines and panes, combined with a highly stylized form, the sculpture exhibits a delicate sense of movement and spatial depth defined by its delicate linear composition which continues to evolve from each viewing angle.  Acquired directly from Bertoia in the mid-1950s by fellow artist Matthew Leibowitz, the piece remained in his family collection until the early 2000s.  An accomplished graphic designer, Mr. Liebowoitz was a director for IBM where he utilized the dynamic silhouette of this sculpture as a design element in for one of the company's published advertisements.