The Italian author design is preparing to experience an extraordinary moment thanks to the prestigious Wannenes auction house, which will present a century of historical masterpieces in an exceptional setting.
What are the must-see lots of the July auction?
On July 9 and 10, 2026, the halls of Villa Carrega Cataldi in Genoa will host an unmissable event for collectors and investors. The catalog curated by Wannenes offers a refined selection that spans the “short century” of design, starting from the Murano glass of the Thirties to reach the bold postmodern experiments and the Carioca modernism.
Moreover, the event represents a unique opportunity to understand how the taste of our country has dialogued with global trends. It is not the usual parade of already seen icons, but a philological journey that combines period rarities and historical pieces of exceptional provenance.
The magic of glass: Max Ingrand and the Fontana Arte school
The most substantial core of the enchantment is dedicated to the work of Max Ingrand, a famous French glass master who led the artistic direction of Fontana Arte from 1954 to 1964. Under his guidance, the Milanese company transformed industrial material into pure spatial poetry, redefining the relationship between light and architecture.
Among the most anticipated lots stands out the pendant lamp model 2088 from the Sixties (lot 138), estimated between 9,000 and 14,000 euros. Another piece of extraordinary interest is lot 27, consisting of a trio of pendant lamps model 2126/1 in nickel-plated brass and cut crystal, valued at 7,000-9,000 euros.
However, the proposals signed by the French designer do not end here. Investors and enthusiasts of Italian author design will also be able to compete for a 1955 suspension in colored crystal (lot 128), estimated at 12,000-16,000 euros. Completing this section dedicated to transparency is a tribute to Pietro Chiesa with a precious lamp from the Forties (lot 235), quoted at 1,600-2,000 euros.
Other signatures of historical lighting
The sale also offers space to other historic Venetian and national manufacturers. Among these are:
- The chandelier from the Thirties attributed to the Fratelli Toso (lot 78, estimate 1,500-2,000 euros).
- The elegant pendant lamps in cased glass by Seguso dating back to the Fifties (lot 52, estimate 1,500-2,000 euros).
- The monumental embossed brass ceiling light by Tommaso Barbi for Bottega Gadda (lot 80, estimate 4,000-6,000 euros).
From Rationalism to Milanese Radicalism: BBPR and Ettore Sottsass
In the segment dedicated to Rationalism stands out an imposing ceiling light by the studio BBPR (lot 85), produced by Arteluce in the Sixties. This variant of the famous model 2045/a, made in painted aluminum and stamped glass, boasts one of the highest estimates of the entire session, set between 22,000 and 28,000 euros.
Moreover, the influence of the Lombard capital emerges strongly thanks to two rare works by Ettore Sottsass. The catalog offers a decorated ceramic box from 1959 for Il Sestante (lot 9, estimate 1,800-2,200 euros) and a pair of étagères made by Cassina at the end of the Eighties (lot 112, estimate 3,000-4,000 euros).
Iconic furniture: the evolution of the Italian home
The Italian author design is also celebrated in the selection of furniture. The chronological path opens with a solid cherry sofa from the Forties designed by Paolo Buffa (lot 34), estimated at 2,600-2,800 euros. In contrast to this classic elegance, the sale proposes the postmodern dynamism of Massimo Iosa Ghini with four Notorius model chairs produced by Moroso in 1988 (lot 106, estimate 1,200-1,600 euros).
Overall, the furniture section expresses the strong aesthetic changes that have crossed the homes of our country in half a century of history, also including a bed designed on private commission by Toni Cordero in the Eighties (lot 339, estimate 2,400-2,600 euros).
Spotlights on Brazilian modernism
The real surprise of the auction is represented by the important core of works from Latin America. In the last fifteen years, Brazilian modernism has witnessed a constant growth in its international market value, attracting the attention of the most important sector magazines like AD Italia.
The sale offers the scenic Guanabara model table by Jorge Zalszupin (lot 10), estimated at 8,000-10,000 euros. Echoing it, the pair of Tonico armchairs designed in 1963 by Sergio Rodrigues in exotic wood and indigo leather (lot 82), valued at 8,000-10,000 euros.
| Lot | Artist / Designer | Work / Model | Estimated Estimate (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | BBPR | Ceiling Light Arteluce Mod. 2045/a | 22,000 – 28,000 |
| 128 | Max Ingrand | Pendant Lamp (circa 1955) | 12,000 – 16,000 |
| 138 | Max Ingrand | Pendant Lamp Mod. 2088 | 9,000 – 14,000 |
| 10 | Jorge Zalszupin | Guanabara Table | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| 82 | Sergio Rodrigues | Pair of Tonico Armchairs (1963) | 8,000 – 10,000 |
That said, the auction ideally closes the conceptual circle between Europe and South America by including in the catalog the Big Sur sofa designed by Peter Shire in 1985 for the Memphis collective (lot 182, estimate 2,400-2,600 euros), a piece with a strong chromatic impact that redefines living spaces.
The appointment with the department led by experts Andrea Schito and Giacomo Abate will be held in Genoa on the second weekend of July 2026, offering a precious historical map for anyone considering the purchase of period furniture as a serious cultural and financial investment.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
