ANTONI GAUDÍ (1852-1926)
Lot 69

ANTONI GAUDÍ (1852-1926)

WALL CONSOLE, CIRCA 1906-10

Closed20 April 2011

Price Realised

GBP 30,000

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ANTONI GAUDÍ (1852-1926)
WALL CONSOLE, CIRCA 1906-10
executed by Esteva Figueras y Sesd Hoyos, carved wood and gilded gesso
10½ in. (27 cm.) high; 17¼ in. (44 cm.) wide; 8¼ in. (21 cm.) deep
moulded atelier seal to the side ESTEVA FIGUERAS Y SESD HOYOS 34

Specialist note

This design was originally conceived for the interior of the apartment of Gaudí's last great private commission, la Casa Milà, 1905-1910, Barcelona, commissioned by textile industrialist Don Pedro Milà and his wife Dona Rosario Segimó Artells.

The organic and flowing style of Casa Milà derived inspiration from the grotto-like rock formations of Catalonia, a style reflected in the organic form of this console. When inverted, the console is also thought to represent the Virgin Mary wrapped in a cloak, holding the infant Jesus. This symbolism is supported by the understanding that the Casa Milà was conceived using imagery evolved from the adoration of the Virgin. Unsupportive of the avant-garde concept for the building, Madame Milà removed many of the original fittings following the death of her husband.