Harry Bertoia (Italian-American, 1915-1978) beryllium sonambient sculpture, “Wheat”. Sculpture – 14 7/8″ H x 6 1/2″ W x 2 3/4″ D. Base – 10″ W x 5″ D. Provenance: Private Nashville, Tennessee collection, purchased Dec. 8, 1970 from Staempfli Gallery, New York. Insurance appraisal dated April 20, 1990 by George Staempfli for $7,500. Biography (courtesy Askart: The Artists’ Bluebook): Harry Bertoia is known for his kinetic and sound sculpture as well as painting, abstract monoprints, and furniture design. In 1936, this Italian born artist studied at the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts and then attended Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield, Michigan, where he later taught and established the metalworking department. During this time, he began experimenting with jewelry forms and explored ideas that would later emerge into his sculpture. In 1943, he moved to Venice, California and worked with designer Charles Eames in the war effort until 1946. Shortly after that he began his first experiments with metal sculpture. In 1949, he moved to Barto, Pennsylvania where he joined Hans Knoll in Knoll Associates. He became a prolific architectural sculptor. His first commission was a screen for the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. His first sculpture exhibition was in 1951 at the Knoll Showroom in New York. It was his custom not to sign his works. CONDITION: Overall very good condition with minor expected oxidation.