DIEGO GIACOMETTI

Auction at Sotheby’s in Paris on 17 May 2017

Sotheby’s Paris is pleased to present this auction of 30 works by Diego Giacometti (1902-1985), a craftsman-sculptor whose whimsical furniture designs offer a fascinating counterpoint to the existentialist sculptures of his brother Alberto.

Diego Giacometti’s magical fingers brought a touch of poetry to daily existence, giving life to the frogs, mice, stags, foxes, dogs, cats and ostriches that adorn his chairs, tables, consoles and lamps.

Design specialist Florent Jeanniard said, "Inspired by a poetic impulse, Diego Giacometti diverts the primary function of furniture and transfigures it through a playful bestiary. His pieces are no longer purely utilitarian, but achieve the rank of art works."

This auction will follow the regular Spring Design auction and will be accompanied by a separate catalogue with an introduction by art historian Diana Widmaier Picasso.