by Guido Wannenes
Complex simplicity is the distinguishing trait of the splendid piece of furniture by Pietro Chiesa at the centre of the cover story of this issue, masterfully written by Valerio Terraroli. Complex simplicity is also the perfect oxymoron to define the work of the auction house, which contains in itself a multiplicity of aspects apparently simple, yet very complex.
However, since we have never been afraid of complexity, we continue to plan new horizons and new challenges for our company, especially in this 2019, which promises to be very eventful.
In May, we will inaugurate the new headquarters of Palazzo Recalcati in Milan where we will be auctioning Jewellery & Watches, Silver & Russian Art, Asian Art, Modern & Contemporary Art, Carpets & Antique Fabrics, Memorabilia & Collectables. With this opening, Wannenes will be the only Italian auction house to regularly hold auctions in two locations in Italy, Milan and Genoa, and one abroad, Monte Carlo.
The Genoese headquarters for Design, Wines and Cars is yet another novelty: a 2,000-meter-open space dedicated to three departments that will play a central role in the future strategies of the company.
Three new Experts have also joined our team, whom I am pleased to welcome:
Angelo Piccini for Watches, Giacomo Abate who will direct the Design Department together with Andrea Schito and Roberto Ruggeri who will be in charge of the auctions of Memorabilia & Collectables.
All these novelties are obviously reflected in the previews, which have never been as rich as in this issue: Valadier silverware, Castelli ceramics, the 5 lire coined under Gioacchino Murat in 1812, two masterpieces by Paolo Pagani and one by Ettore Tito and then: two sculptures by Adolfo Wilt from the Hoepli Collection, two “Sasso” by Luigi Caccia Dominioni and a very special Agra carpet.
Particularly worthy of mention are the ten-carat D-coloured diamond, the auctions of jewellery and paintings from the Belle Époque that we will present in July in Monte Carlo and the autumn previews of the wines, starring Bepi Quintarelli, and memorabilia, with a splendid photo by Ilona Staller and Jeff Koons.
All complex, yet simple … we are waiting for you!
Pietro Chiesa Mobile bar, ottone e ottone nichelato, cristallo molato e specchiato, legno,
Fontana Arte, 1935 circa
Stima 24.000 – 26.000