Max Ingrand - Design & Design Art New York Thursday, December 13, 2007 | Phillips

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  • Catalogue Essay

    In the early 1950s, amidst a period of post-World War II reconstruction, the glass market in Italy was experiencing a major revival.  In addition to being a necessary part of the rebuilding process for homes and corporate structures, glass companies found themselves in the position of vying for a new market.  The recent economic stability allowed for the emergence of wealthier clientele seeking out lavish decorative items.  Fontana Arte, an already well-respected firm with several major glass designers in its stable, captured the attention of Italy’s affluent classes with its elegant new designs.   The contributions of designers Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, and Max Ingrand would prove to be pivotal to the oeuvre of Fontana Arte. 
     
    In 1954, Max Ingrand was appointed artistic director of Fontana Arte, leading to some of the company’s most popular and lucrative designs.  It is during this period that Fontana Arte’s projects demonstrate a departure from old and classic Italian designs, and embrace the new modernism.  In addition to Ingrand’s contributions, the booming economy and overall creative energy of the firm combined to make this period one of the most competitive and successful periods in the history of Fontana Arte.

115

Rare “Organo” chandelier

1950s
Nickel-plated metal, colored glass, painted metal, faceted colored glass.
43 in. (109.2 cm) drop
Manufactured by Fontana Arte, Italy and retailed by Bertotti Arte, Turin, Italy.

Estimate
$18,000 - 22,000 

Sold for $23,750

Design & Design Art

13 Dec 2007, 2pm
New York