Gae Aulenti Orsay chair set Knoll 1970s

Set of 4 Orsay model chairs signed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International. Reupholstered in a timeless and high-end fabric: a braided Kvadrat wool in green and off-white forming a mini-check pattern. Gae Aulenti (1927-2012) was a major Italian architect, designer, and decorator of the 20th century. Famous for her iconic museums in Paris and Italy, she distinguished herself by her ability to integrate historical heritage with modern and avant-garde design. The Orsay chair was designed by Gae Aulenti for Knoll International in the early 1970s. It is characterised by a lacquered steel structure with very graphic curved lines and a enveloping seat and backrest. Its design is architectural: the metal structure acts as a continuous line that defines the silhouette of the chair. It is believed that the series was designed while Aulenti was working on the project for the future Musée d'Orsay in Paris, which would explain its name. Several specialised dealers and sales archives link this furniture to this period of her career. The Orsay collection was produced for a relatively short period, which is why it appears less frequently on the market than other Knoll models.