standard oil commission

Wright presents Harry Bertoia: Masterworks from the Standard Oil Commission on 6 June 2013 at noon CST. These works have never before been presented at auction.

“As a Chicagoan, I have been very aware of Bertoia’s installation at the iconic Standard Oil Building (now the Aon Center). We are proud to have the opportunity to present these outstanding examples of Harry Bertoia’s work and we are proud to offer such strong pieces of Chicago history for sale right here in Chicago.” ~Richard Wright, Director

‘Bertoia’s Sonambient’ sculptures standout for their unique contribution to the modern art and design aesthetic. Each work is in itself a kinetic masterpiece that is activated by touch or the circulation of air; motion and energy adding visual and audible complexity to Bertoia’s otherwise minimal forms.



Bertoia coined the term Sonambient (a combination of the words sound and environment) to describe his sound sculptures of the 1960s and 1970s. He first began exploring sounding sculptures in 1960 after he accidentally struck a rod and was intrigued by the memorable and lasting tone of the metal. Until his death in 1978, Bertoia created hundreds of varied tonal constructions featuring rods of beryllium copper in a magnitude of configurations.

[ harry bertoia: master works from standard oil commission ] Each item will be presented in our online preview at [ View lots ] | 1440 West Hubbard Street Chicago | 312 563 0020 [ wright auction ]

auction > 6 june 2013 | noon CST