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Lot Essay
This design was originally conceived for the interior of the apartment of Gaudí's last great private commission, la Casa Milà, 1905-1910, Barcelona, commissioned by textile industrialist Don Pedro Milà and his wife Dona Rosario Segimó Artells.
The organic and flowing style of Casa Milà derived inspiration from the grotto-like rock formations of Catalonia, a style reflected in the organic form of this console. When inverted, the console is also thought to represent the Virgin Mary wrapped in a cloak, holding the infant Jesus. This symbolism is supported by the understanding that the Casa Milà was conceived using imagery evolved from the adoration of the Virgin. Unsupportive of the avant-garde concept for the building, Madame Milà removed many of the original fittings following the death of her husband.
The organic and flowing style of Casa Milà derived inspiration from the grotto-like rock formations of Catalonia, a style reflected in the organic form of this console. When inverted, the console is also thought to represent the Virgin Mary wrapped in a cloak, holding the infant Jesus. This symbolism is supported by the understanding that the Casa Milà was conceived using imagery evolved from the adoration of the Virgin. Unsupportive of the avant-garde concept for the building, Madame Milà removed many of the original fittings following the death of her husband.