Gaetano Pesce was of a generation of Italian architects who in the early 1960s rebelled against the industrial perfection of modernism by conceiving new furniture and objects that were at once expressive and eccentric in form; or you might say they were more like art than functionalist design.
Born in the picturesque coastal Italian city of La Spezia in 1939, Pesce was a precocious talent who could have forged a career as an artist but opted instead to go to Venice to study architecture because, as he has said, it was “the most complex of all the arts.” Rather than having new worlds opened to him at design school, however, Pesce found the rationalist curriculum oppressive in its insistence on standardization and prescribed materials and technologies.
Pesce wanted to explore the latest of both materials and technologies to create objects and buildings never before imagined, with what he called “personalities” that spoke to the issues of the day. He was keen to examine ways to diversify mass production so that each manufactured work could be distinct.
In 1964, Pesce met Cesare Cassina, of the forward-looking furniture company C&B Italia in Milan (now known as B&B Italia), for whom he would create many important designs, beginning with a collection of what he called “transformational furniture” — two chairs and a loveseat — made entirely out of high-density polyurethane foam. To make the pieces easy to ship and cost-efficient, he proposed that after being covered in a stretch jersey, they be put in a vacuum, then heat-sealed flat between vinyl sheets. Once the foam was removed from its packaging, the piece returned to its original shape — hence, the name Up for the series, which debuted in 1969.
In addition to these pieces, Pesce proposed for the collection something he referred to as an “anti-armchair,” which took the shape of a reclining fertility goddess, the iconic Donna.
Producing the piece's complex form turned out to be a technical challenge. Bayer, the foam’s manufacturer, deemed it impossible to accomplish. Pesce persisted and came up with a new procedure, demonstrating not only the designer’s key role in researching the nature and potential of new materials but also his vital importance in “doubting rules.” The Up chair and accompanying ottoman were born, and they were revolutionary in more ways than one.
In the early 1970s, Pesce began exploring one of his key concepts, the idea of the industrial originals. Employing a mold without air holes, and adding a blood-red dye to the polyurethane, he cast a bookcase that resembled a demolished wall, the rough edges of the shelves and posts resulting from fissures in the material made by trapped air.
Through his research into polyurethane, Pesce figured out a way to make a loveseat and armchair using only a simple wood frame and strong canvas covering as a mold. Since the fabric developed random folds during the injection process, the pieces were similar but not identical. Cassina named the suite of furnishings Sit Down and introduced it in 1975. By experimenting with felt soaked in polyurethane and resin, Pesce conceived I Feltri, another collection of armchairs introduced by Cassina in 1987.
Pesce went on to live a life that defied expectation and convention and along the way became one of the most seminal figures in art and design.
Find vintage Gaetano Pesce chairs, sofas, vases and more on 1stDibs.
$2,394 / item
Senzafine Pouf in Polyurethane Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
Italian Modern Triple Play Resin Stool by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in MIlano, IT
Triple Play Resin Stool by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2000s Stool with rigid resin top in red, stainless steel structure and flexible resin feet. Beautiful and perfect as side table, coffee table and night table Made by Fish Design and designed by Getano Pesce. Good conditions. Remember to check the other similar in our listing write Magazzino76...
Metal
Gaetano Pesce UP 2000 Sofa, Black Fabric, Italian Radical Design, 1970
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Madrid, ES
Iconic and sculptural, the "UP 2000" sofa designed by Gaetano Pesce in the 1970s is a bold example of Italian radical design. With its sensuous, organic form, the piece reflects Pesc...
Fabric, Wood
" Nobody's King" Gaetano Pesce, Nobody's perfect serie, Zerodisegno
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
The King armchair by Gaetano Pesce, 2003, made by Zerodisegno, is part of the "Nobody's Perfect" collection made by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodisegno, stamped and dated by hand in the re...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” Chairs for Bernini, 1993, Set of 3
By Gaetano Pesce, Bernini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” chairs for Bernini, epoxy resin, stainless steel, gum, 1993, set of three. The eclecticism and genius of Gaetano Pesce are explicitly visible in his ico...
Resin, Plastic
Gaetano Pesce "La Sfogliata" Chair, 2005
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gaetano Pesce Chair & Cushion model "La Sfogliata" Manufactured by Meritalia Italy, 2005 Plastic, Fibreglass rods, Upholstery 58x51x113hcm 22,8x20x44,5hin Provenance The Steve Al...
Upholstery, Plastic
Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Beige Armless Outdoor Chair for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Dalila armless chair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina is a striking outdoor reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artistically significant seating co...
Plastic
Gaetano Pesce Armchair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2000's
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2003 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2003 Signed and dated 19 05 03 UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce "Nobody's Perfect" Chair, Zerodisegno
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce Signed and dated: 27. 11. 09 UNIQUE PIECE. Excellent condition
Epoxy Resin
La Michetta Hook Arm 73 in Metal by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Metal
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” Chairs for Bernini, 1993, Set of 4
By Gaetano Pesce, Bernini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gaetano Pesce “543 Broadway” chairs for Bernini, epoxy resin, stainless steel, gum, 1993, set of four. The eclecticism and genius of Gaetano Pesce are explicitly visible in his icon...
Resin, Plastic
Set of 2 Gaetano Pesce Dalila Red Armless Outdoor Chairs for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This pair of Dalila armless outdoor chairs designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina presents a striking contemporary reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artist...
Plastic
Set of Four Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Blue Armless Outdoor Chairs for Cassina
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This set of four Dalila armless outdoor chairs designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina presents a striking contemporary reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and ar...
Plastic
Set of Four Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Beige Armless Outdoor Chairs for Cassina
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This set of four Dalila armless outdoor chairs designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina presents a striking contemporary reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and ar...
Plastic
La Michetta Seat 214 Velvet Seat in Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
La Michetta Composition 1 Sofa in Velvet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
Meritalia Gli Amici, Pecora Pouff by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Sculptural, fantastical and functional object (creatures) by Gaetano Pesce, suitable for a carefree interior. Unforgettable in any space. This is a new item. Manufacturer's Certifi...
Fabric, Foam
$15,534 / item
Montanara Seat by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Montanara armchair evokes a poetic mountain landscape—its sweeping, snow-white contours and printed textile upholstery conjure peaks, rocks and alpine skies in an indoor setting....
Fabric
$4,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
coppia di poltrone Amanta design Mario Bellini e Gaetano Pesce C&B italia - B&B
By Mario Bellini, Gaetano Pesce
Located in taranto, IT
splendida coppia di poltrone "Amanta", originali degli anni 70, disegnate da Mario Bellini con stoffe di Gaetano Pesce per C&B italia (precedente denominazione di B&B italia). Strut...
Fabric, Plastic
$18,054 / item
Meritalia Nubola 238 Sofa in leather by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Leather
$14,885 / item
Nubola 277 Velvet Sofa in Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Red Armless Outdoor Chair for Cassina
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Dalila armless chair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina is a striking outdoor reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artistically significant seating co...
Plastic
Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Beige Outdoor Armchair for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Dalila armchair designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina is a striking outdoor reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and artistically significant seating concept...
Plastic
$42,524 / item
Gli Amici Printed Cotton Fabled Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fabled creatures that make up a modular sofa. Sculptural and functional objects to characterize a light-hearted interior, and transform every room into an unforgettable adventure. G...
Cotton
Senzafine Seat Armchair in Polyurethane Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
Senzafine Pouf in Polyurethane Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
Gli Amici Printed Cotton Pouf Canarino by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fabled creatures that make up a modular sofa. Sculptural and functional objects to characterize a light-hearted interior, and transform every room into an unforgettable adventure. G...
Cotton
Gli Amici Printed Cotton Pouf Elefante by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fabled creatures that make up a modular sofa. Sculptural and functional objects to characterize a light-hearted interior, and transform every room into an unforgettable adventure. G...
Cotton
La Michetta Back 107 Velvet Backrest Sofa in Cobalt by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
La Michetta Back 144 Velvet Backrest Sofa in Musk by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
Meritalia Montanara Sofa by Gaetano Pesce, Modular Design, Italy
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
The Montanara sofa by Meritalia, designed by Gaetano Pesce, is a modular seating system that transforms the concept of the interior into a surreal, poetic landscape. Through its expr...
Fabric
Meritalia La Michetta Composition 3 Sofa in Velvet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
La Michetta Velvet Pouf 115 in Hazelnut by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
Colorado Composition 1 Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Colorado by Gaetano Pesce is a modular, combinable sofa defined by its playful volumes and vivid chromatic contrasts. Each element can be freely arranged to form linear or irregu...
Fabric
Sofà Michetta two seater Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Michetta sofa by Gaetano Pesce features an eclectic design that challenges traditional aesthetics with an irregular capitonné technique and plush velvet upholstery. This piece of...
Velvet
Shadow Mini Red Armchair Padded with Soft Polyurethane Foam by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Armchair padded with soft polyurethane foam, built without a mould to adapt to the body that sits on it. Upholstery in coated fabric. Additional information: Material: Coated Fabric...
Fabric
Sofà Michetta three seater Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Michetta sofa by Gaetano Pesce features an eclectic design that challenges traditional aesthetics with an irregular capitonné technique and plush velvet upholstery. This piece of...
Velvet
Meritalia La Michetta Composition 4 Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
Meritalia La Michetta Composition 2 Sofa by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
La Michetta Back 73 Velvet Backrest Sofa in Navy by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
$14,885 / item
Nubola 277 Velvet Sofa in Blush by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
Senzafine Seat Armchair in Polyurethane Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
La Pagnottina Purple Versatile Chair in Carbon Fiber by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pagnottina chair is light and versatile, available in many different coverings. Like the Pagnotta armchair from the same series, La Pagnottina is made up of fourteen carbon-fibre...
Cotton
La Michetta Seat 214 Velvet Seat in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
Gli Amici Printed Cotton Pouf Pecora by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fabled creatures that make up a modular sofa. Sculptural and functional objects to characterize a light-hearted interior, and transform every room into an unforgettable adventure. G...
Cotton
$13,071 / item
Nubola 238 Velvet Sofa in Ochre by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
La Michetta Back 144 Velvet Backrest Sofa in Blush by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modular sofa, made of eclectic modules, available in different sizes and colours, which can be continuously rearranged according to taste and needs. La Michetta by Gaetano Pesce for...
Velvet
Senzafine Armchair & Pouf in Polyurethane Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
La Pagnottina Yellow Versatile Chair in Carbon Fiber by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pagnottina chair is light and versatile, available in many different coverings. Like the Pagnotta armchair from the same series, La Pagnottina is made up of fourteen carbon-fibre...
Cotton
Set of Six Gaetano Pesce '543 Broadway' Chairs, Aluminum & Epoxy, 1993
By Gaetano Pesce, Bernini
Located in London, England
Gaetano Pesce's works are eccentric, modern, and camp. These chairs are rare examples of the Broadway series in an incredibly bright green and yellow colourway. On sprung feet, t...
Aluminum
$18,054 / item
Meritalia Nubola 238 Sofa in leather by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Leather
La Pagnottina Red Versatile Chair in Carbon Fiber by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pagnottina chair is light and versatile, available in many different coverings. Like the Pagnotta armchair from the same series, La Pagnottina is made up of fourteen carbon-fibre...
Cotton
La Pagnottina Grey Versatile Chair in Carbon Fiber by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pagnottina chair is light and versatile, available in many different coverings. Like the Pagnotta armchair from the same series, La Pagnottina is made up of fourteen carbon-fibre...
Cotton
1970s Gaetano Pesce Big Mama C&b Italy Big Ball
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Biella, IT
Gaetano Pesce big Mama series UP6 production C&B Italy Original the big ball only, first edit year '69 in stretch Jersey fabric Diameter 24inches, is in go...
Textile
1990s Cassina Cannaregio Two Seat Loveseat Sofa / Lounge by Gaetano Pesce
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cannaregio Sofa, initially designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina in 1987. This set was produced in Italy in the early 1990s. It is composed of two modular sections, each se...
Steel