NEW YORK, NY.- In conjunction with the Impressionist & Modern Art department, Christie’s Design announced, Alberto and Diego Giacometti: Masters of Design, which will take place during the marquee 20th Century Week on Monday, 12 November 2018. This sale includes 27 lots of design created by both Giacometti brothers, representing their crucial contribution to the field of decorative objects, lighting, and furniture.

In the Stampa valley of Switzerland at the turn of the 20th century, the Giacometti brothers were born only a year apart and were raised in a family that valued creativity and originality. Their father was a painter who also designed all the furniture in the family’s home, and their younger brother would go on to become an architect. The brothers shared a very close relationship and shortly after Alberto settled in Paris in the early 1920s, Diego joined him there and assumed the role of studio assistant. Diego oversaw the creation of armatures and bases for Alberto’s famous skeletal figures, patination of finished sculptures, and day to day studio upkeep. They collaborated with esteemed decorator Jean-Michel Frank, introducing a line of decorative arts and lighting in plaster, bronze and alabaster that remain as fresh and modern today as they were in the 1930s. In return for Diego’s loyal assistance, Alberto provided his brother with creative encouragement and introductions to many wealthy art patrons who would eventually become Diego’s devoted clients. Diego’s development as a sculptor and designer flourished during his years with Alberto, creating a distinctive oeuvre that transcends any one decorative style, and after Alberto’s death in 1966, he devoted himself full-time to his art. This symbiotic relationship brought each brother much fulfillment and growth and yielded a tremendous creative output.

Highlights from the sale include an 'Arbre Au Hibou' table, circa 1980 ($200,000-300,000), and a 'Grecque' table, circa 1965 ($250,000-350,000) by Diego Giacometti, coming from the Collection of A. Jerrold Perenchio. Mr. Perenchio housed these pieces alongside his extensive collection of modern art in his mansion in Bel Air, California, designed by legendary interior decorator, Henri Samuel. Also included in the sale is a sculpture of Giovanni Giacometti, ‘Tête du Père Ronde II’ ($300,000-500,000) and a drawing of Diego, ‘Tête’ ($30-50,000) both by Alberto Giacometti.

Other works with notable provenance include a ‘Berceau’ Table, Modèle aux Renards, by Diego Giacometti ($300,000-500,000) from the Estate of Jacquelyn Miller Matisse, An ‘En Souvenir de la Levrette, Bucky’ Table also by Diego Giacometti ($250,000-350,000) from the Collection of Dorian H.J. Niederhauser who was introduced to the artist by Hubert de Givenchy, and a 'Feuille’ Floor Lamp by Alberto Giacometti ($120,000-180,000) from The Estate of Brad Grey.

Highlights will be on view to the public in Paris from 19-21 October and the whole collection will be on public view at Christie’s Rockefeller galleries from 4-11 November ahead of the auction on 12 November.