Diego GIACOMETTI (1902-1985) - Lot 270

Diego GIACOMETTI (1902-1985) "Harpies" pedestal table in bronze with shaded brown patina, circular top in translucent glass 44.5 x 44.5 cm This pedestal table was presented to Expertises Denis Vincenot and Maître Philippe Meier, legal representative of the heirs of Diego Giacometti. The condition report is available on request from the following e-mail address: contact@neo-encheres.com PROVENANCE - Former collection of Raymond Paul Hillairet (1906-1986), former president of the Société des Œuvres de Mer (1975-1985), resident of the Montparnasse district, close to the painter Charles LAPICQUE (1898-1988) and frequenter of the artistic and cultural milieu of the time. - By descent to current owner BIBLIOGRAPHY Denis MARCHESSEAU, Diego Giacometti, Hermann, Paris, 1986, reproduced in black and white on p. 58 NOTICE Created around 1955 for the renowned British fashion photographer Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), this patinated bronze pedestal table is one of Diego Giacometti's most emblematic creations. A true masterpiece of the fusion between sculpture and furniture, this pedestal table features sculptures of harpies with outstretched wings, the mythological half-woman, half-bird creatures typical of Greek mythology. In this work, Giacometti transforms these dreaded figures into graceful, poetic beings, who seem to soar and float in space, almost making us forget the bronze of which they are composed. The guéridon "aux harpies" testifies to Giacometti's ability to infuse metal with subtle lightness and elegance. The finely crafted circular top rests on an elaborate base, with each harpy gracefully supporting the structure, giving an impression of movement and dynamism. The patinated bronze, which varies in shades of green and brown, accentuates the organic texture of the work, bringing it almost to life under different lighting conditions. Diego Giacometti's dedication to sculptural furniture creates a balance between utilitarian function and artistic expression. This pedestal table, both mysterious and refined, embodies the artist's unique spirit, close to decorative art but imbued with symbolism, and is in line with the pieces commissioned by the great figures of the time. Today, it is prized by collectors for its rarity and timeless aesthetic, testifying to Diego Giacometti's genius in creating furniture imbued with poetry and mystery.