Harry Bertoia - Design New York Tuesday, June 7, 2022 | Phillips
  • Provenance

    Acquired directly from the artist, 1973-1977

  • Literature

    Nancy N. Schiffer and Val O. Bertoia, The World of Bertoia, Atglen, 2003, pp. 180, 190-94 for similar examples
    Beverly H. Twitchell, Bertoia: The Metalworker, London, 2019, pp. 241, 245 for similar examples

  • Catalogue Essay

    Beginning in the early 1970s, Harry Bertoia gifted a number of Sonambient sculptures to the young experimental musician David Moss. When Moss showed his father, Roy Moss, a lifelong woodcarver, he was so touched by Bertoia’s generosity that he carved two pieces of sonorous rosewood into his own interpretation of Bertoia’s Swinging Bars and sent them to Bertoia in gratitude. Bertoia, in turn, sent Roy Moss the present Sonambient, which has a beautiful light, sparkling tone. Roy Moss subsequently gifted this work to son David.

Property from the Collection of David Moss

71

"Sonambient" sounding sculpture

1970s
Beryllium copper, bronze.
20 x 6 x 6 in. (50.8 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm)
Together with a certificate of authenticity from the Harry Bertoia Foundation and with a crate made by the artist.

Estimate
$20,000 - 30,000 

Contact Specialist

Benjamin Green
Associate Specialist

Associate Head of Sale

bgreen@phillips.com
+1 917 207 9090

Design

New York Auction 7 June 2022