Andrea Casella for Alessi – “Narciso” Sculpture, 1974

Andrea Casella for Alessi – “Narciso” Sculpture, 1974

From the “D’Après” Collection – Alessi Arte

Designer: Andrea Casella

Title: Narciso

Manufacturer: Alessi

Series: D’Après, 1974

Material: Mirror-polished stainless steel

Dimensions:

• Height: 17 cm / 6.7 in
• Width: 22 cm / 8.7 in
• Depth: 15 cm / 5.9 in
  Markings: Signed on base, stamped “ALESSI ITALY”

Description

An iconic sculptural object from the groundbreaking “D’Après” series launched by Alessi Arte in the 1970s, Narciso is a gleaming work of futurist abstraction designed by Andrea Casella in 1974. It features twin polished spheres and a series of graduated, radiating fins—all in mirror-finish stainless steel—recalling the myth of Narcissus through its literal and metaphorical reflections.

Both elegant and enigmatic, the work embodies the dialogue between industrial process and artistic form. Narciso is not merely a sculpture—it is a conceptual object, engaging the viewer in themes of duality, symmetry, and perception.

About the “D’Après” Series by Alessi

Launched in the early 1970s, the D’Après series was a bold initiative by Alessi Arte to bridge the divide between industrial design and fine art. Under the curatorial vision of Alberto Alessi, the company invited a select group of artists and architects to reinterpret classical themes through modern material and production. The name D’Après—meaning “after” or “inspired by”—emphasized the intention: a reinterpretation of artistic legacy through contemporary industrial craftsmanship.

This series marked Alessi’s transition from traditional housewares to design-led, collectible objects. Produced in very limited quantities, these works have become highly sought-after icons of Italian 20th-century design.

About Andrea Casella

Andrea Casella is an Italian sculptor and designer whose work in the 1970s reflects a sharp interest in optical play, reflection, and minimalist geometry. Narciso is perhaps his most well-known contribution, emblematic of his ability to merge narrative with spatial and material experimentation. Casella’s contribution to the D’Après series stands as a testament to his conceptual depth and elegant restraint.

About Alessi

Founded in 1921 by Giovanni Alessi in Omegna, Italy, Fratelli Alessi quickly established itself as one of the premier manufacturers of metal housewares in Europe. By the 1970s, under the visionary leadership of Alberto Alessi, the company evolved from a quality metalware producer into a design laboratory, collaborating with renowned artists, architects, and designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Achille Castiglioni, and Philippe Starck.

The D’Après series represents an early and radical phase in Alessi’s development—long before it became synonymous with global design culture.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition with light wear appropriate to age. Retains original mirror-polish finish; signed and stamped to underside.

Why Collect This Piece?

• Rare and early edition from Alessi’s seminal D’Après series
• 1970s Italian design collectible with strong sculptural presence
• Signed work by Andrea Casella, merging myth, form, and reflection
• Museum-worthy object from Alessi’s pre-design-icon era
• Perfect for collectors of postmodern, minimalist, or conceptual design

The sculpture will be shipped insured overseas. Cost of transport to the US is Euro 175,00

Wear consistent with age and use.

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