The pair of “Digamma” armchairs designed by Ignazio Gardella for Gavina in 1957 represents one of the most elegant achievements of post-war Italian design, a period in which architectural design and industrial production began to integrate in an increasingly sophisticated way. A central figure of Italian Rationalism, Gardella in fact developed an essential yet never rigid language, founded on the balance between functionality, comfort and formal quality.
The “Digamma” armchairs stand out for their visually light structure, constructed through an enamelled steel frame with brass finishes, capable of supporting the seat with great proportional balance. However, the design does not renounce softness: the foam rubber padding and velvet upholstery in fact introduce a welcoming component that contrasts harmoniously with the rigour of the metal structure.
Moreover, one of the most recognizable aspects of the model is the continuous design of the armrests, which develop with an elegant and fluid curved line. The relationship between metal elements and upholstered surfaces generates a refined dialogue between technique and comfort, typical of Gardella’s design poetics.
On the other hand, the collaboration with Gavina places these seats within a fundamental period for Italian design, in which enlightened companies and great designers contributed to the international diffusion of modern furniture. Overall, the pair of “Digamma” armchairs therefore constitutes an emblematic example of Italian modernism of the 1950s, still appreciated today for compositional balance, construction quality and understated elegance.
Description: Enamelled steel metal structure, brass finishes, foam rubber padding, velvet upholstery, H cm 85x75x84.
Publications: Original Azucena Catalogue, p. 5; G. Gramigna, Repertorio 1950-80, Mondadori, 1985; G. Gramigna, P. Biondi, Italian Design in Domestic Furniture, Allemandi, 1999; A. Branzi, M. De Lucchi, Italian Design of the 1950s, RDE, 1985; AA. VV., Dino Gavina: Emblematic Collections of Modern Design from 1950 to 1992, Jaca Bo, 1992.
Hammer Price: € 14.260,00
Auction 48 – 26 October 2021 – DESIGN | Furniture, Ceramics, Glasses, XX Century Decorative Arts
Discover all the top lots from our Design auctions!
Do you own a work by Ignazio Gardella? Request a free valuation right now!
Contact us:
