‎

REQUEST PRICE HERE

Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

‎

Rino Levi was one of the pioneers of the modern movement in Brazil, advocating for simple, practical and economical design, disparaging the imitation of classicism. ‘Classical spirit’ rather than classical forms was his ideal.

Levi was instrumental in spreading the fame of Brazilian modernism through his furniture designs as well. As this beautiful Brazilian wood sofa shows, by the 1960s, Levi abandoned Italian rationalism in favour of an approach closer to that of the Rio modernists both in his architectural and furniture designs. As a piece of true Brazilian mid-century design, the beauty of the wood and organic shapes and lines dominate this three-seater sofa. The tilted, architectural lines of wood making up the armrests create a visually distinct and exciting appearance. The additional horizontal lines connecting to the backrest are a creative addition, while also supporting the overall stability. The frame with its joinery praises Rino Levi’s craftsmanship and architectural expertise. The beautiful colour of the wood is highlighted by the light upholstery of the body in a premium bouclé fabric, including the three removable cushions.

This sofa model is rare to find, for as during Brazil's military dictatorship, it was against the law to export furniture. The ban on exports only ended in the 1980s, but it still took some time for things to change, not to mention that handmade pieces were created in limited editions. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that this sofa is special, and a real rarity.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.

Dimensions:

86.41 in W x 28.74 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 16.14 in

219.5 cm W x 73 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 41 cm

About the Designer:

Rino Levi was a Brazilian architect important to the development of modernism in Brazil. Levi was born to Italian Jewish parents on December 31, 1901 in São Paulo, Brazil. After graduating from Colégio Dante Alighieri in São Paulo, Levi studied in Milan and Rome under Marcello Piacentini.

In 1924, he moved to the School of Architecture of Rome. There, he met Adalberto Libera (1903 - 1963) and Marcello Piacentini (1881 - 1960) in whose office he did practice. In 1925, he published in O Estado de S. Paulo. He returned to Brazil in 1926 and worked for a year in the Santos Construction Company.

Following his return to São Paulo, Levi established the firm Rino Levi Arquitetos Associados. Levi was known for an architectural practice particularly dissociated from the construction process for his era. In the early 1930s, Levi designed a number of modernist houses in São Paulo for Italian clients. Towards the end of the decade, Levi's practice shifted to the design on theaters including the Cine Ufa Palace and Teatro Cultura Artistic.
His first major work was the Columbus Building at Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio (first apartement complex in the metropolis, demolished in 1971 ), the Cine Ufa Palace in St. John Avenue, the Medici residence in Santo Amaro and Sarti Building in Republic Square. These rationalist buildings have simple volumes, with evident structure. The project Cine Ufa Palace (1936) was a role model for other cinemas projects: Cine Universe (1936), Cine Art-Palace Recife (1937), the Cine Ipiranga (1943) and the Theatre Culture Arts (1942).

Rino Levi participated in the formation and construction of the Institute of Architects of Brazil and was an active member until his death. He is remembered today as a key figure in introducing modernism to Brazil. ~H.