The value of furniture and lighting by Mario Bellini
Key takeaways
- Mario Bellini's works sell for between €50 and €5,840, with sofas fetching up to €25,000 depending on their rarity and quality.
- A leading Italian designer of the 20th century, Bellini revolutionized furniture design with his clean lines and innovative materials, which are particularly prized by Italian and American collectors.
- Lighting fixtures made of ceramic, plastic, and metal are the most affordable pieces (€150–€5,840) and are in high demand at auctions because they are durable and easy to incorporate into any interior.
If you own a work by Mario Bellini or one based on the artist, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Rating and value of the artist Mario Bellini :
The artist Mario Bellini leaves behind a unique body of work, he revolutionized Italian and world furniture. Now, prices for his works are reaching unprecedented amounts at auctioneers' gavels. His works are particularly prized above all by Italian and American buyers. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €50 to €5,840, a considerable range but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to Bellini's works. In 2018, a mixed-material lamp dating from 1967 sold for €5,840 while it was estimated at between €1,678 and €2,500.
Order of value from a simple creation to the most prestigious
thematic | Estimation | Luminaire (ceramic, plastic, metal) | €150 - 5,840 |
|---|---|
Settee | 500 - 25,000€ |
Chair (in lots or for one model) | 300 - 24,000€ |
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Style and technique by artist Mario Bellini
Bellini founded his studio after his studies and produced contemporary furniture, with simple lines and clean design. He is also a designer for major brands, producing numerous lighting fixtures in particular.
Mario Bellini's life
Mario Bellini (b. 1935), an Italian artist, has become a leading figure in design and contemporary furniture. He began by studying architecture at Milan Polytechnic, with professors including Ponti and Portaluppi. After setting up his own studio, he headed the design department at La Rinascente, then went on to work as a design consultant for various brands. Among other things, he designed typewriters and the first personal computer.
He worked successively for various museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, and contributed to the renovation of several buildings in several Italian cities. Throughout his life, he received numerous art awards and distinctions from the Italian state. MOMA even devoted a personal retrospective to him in the 90s.
Mario Bellini's imprint on his period
Mario Bellini marked his period with his talent and the grandeur of his output. He receives commissions from the Italian state and private companies to renovate buildings. His innovative spirit redefined the curves of furniture. In the same spirit, le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand are doing the same thing in France and Germany. The lighting fixtures he created sell particularly well at auction, because it's a collection item that lasts over time. It's a less complicated and less expensive object to acquire than a sofa or armchair, for example.
He mixes straight and curved lines and often makes his furniture elements in neutral, light tones, namely white, cream, silver. He also uses fabric. In some of his works, he uses several suspensions such as the Lampade a suspensione della serie Area, made with a color chart of neutral tones and wallpaper attached to metal. He innovates with unexpected material choices that blend into any interior. As a result, his furniture is still very much in demand on the art market today, with sales held with his work on a regular basis.
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How to recognize the artist's signature ?
Mario Bellini's works are generally not signed. This is why, if you think you own a work by or after the artist, it is essential to have it appraised by an expert who will be able to authenticate it.
How to know the value of a work ?
If you happen to own a work by Mario Bellini or after the artist, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your work, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account the inclinations of the market.
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is Mario Bellini, and what is his contribution to design?Mario Bellini (born in 1935) is a leading Italian designer and architect in the field of contemporary design. A graduate of the Polytechnic University of Milan, he revolutionized the world of furniture by creating pieces with clean, innovative lines. He has worked for major brands, designed typewriters and computers, and the MOMA dedicated a solo retrospective to him in the 1990s.
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What are the typical prices for Mario Bellini's furniture and lighting at auction?Mario Bellini's works sell for between €50 and €5,840, depending on the type and complexity. Light fixtures (ceramic, plastic, metal) generally range from €150 to €5,840, chairs from €300 to €24,000, and sofas from €500 to €25,000. These price ranges reflect differences in materials, era, and the renown of each piece.
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How can you authenticate a work by Mario Bellini?Mario Bellini's works are generally unsigned, which makes authentication challenging. It is essential to have your piece appraised by a professional. Auctie's offers a free, no-obligation appraisal by its experts and certified auctioneers, who will provide you with a comprehensive authentication and valuation.
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How does a free appraisal work at Auctie's?You can request a free estimate using the form on the Auctie's website. A certified expert or auctioneer will contact you promptly and provide you with an estimate of your artwork’s market value. This process is non-binding and allows you to determine the exact value of your piece before making any decision to sell.
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Is this a good time to sell a work by Mario Bellini?Yes, now is a good time to sell. Mario Bellini’s works—particularly his light fixtures—are highly sought after in today’s art market, especially by Italian and American collectors. Sales take place regularly, and prices continue to reach remarkable levels at auction.
