(Stampa 1902–1985 Paris)

Banquette. 1983/84.

Bronze, green patina.

Height 41,5 cm, width 91 cm, depth 39 cm.

Provenance:
Private collection Luxembourg, acquired directly from the artist in his studio in 1983/84.

Literature:
cf. Daniel Marchesseau: Diego Giacometti, Paris 1986, p. 50 (same example, same dimensions).

Bronze as a material for furniture is an uncommon sight. Basically, it is neither suitable from a structural standpoint, as bronze is heavy and not particularly resilient, nor from a constructional point of view, considering that the furniture is cast rather than assembled. Diego Giacometti's primary interest, however, was not functionality or practicality – his furniture is more akin to sculpture for this reason alone – but rather an artistic practice that may have arisen out of habit while making plaster casts for his brother. His chequered relationship with his brother and his ambivalent attitude towards his own work, which is particularly evident in the fact that Diego long considered it unthinkable to sign his own works and when he finally did, then only with his first name, should not obscure the fact that Giacometti had a profound understanding of surface, haptics and material. Such an unpretentious approach to art presents a powerful contrast to the problem-orientated view of Modern Art, and casts our gaze back to the elementary needs. With that in mind, it seems only logical to reserve a place in the museum for a bench of such sculptural conception.

In the course of this auction, two pieces of furniture by Diego Giacometti are offered from the same private collection (lots 3315 and 3318), which were acquired by the current owner directly in the artist's studio. As early as the 1960s, he visited Diego's studio with his mother, and later, in the 1980s, working as a lawyer in Paris, he re-established contact with Diego. During a visit to Diego Giacometti in 1983/84, the owner bought the present bench and a few tables (including lot 3318).