Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 1886–1969
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is one of the most celebrated modernist architects of the twentieth century, known for developing the International Style in Germany and abroad, which emphasized function, balance, clean lines and the use of glass and steel.
Mies van der Rohe was born in 1886 in Aachen, Germany, a center of heavy industry. His father was a stonecutter and Mies, who was never formally trained in architecture, often worked with his father, developing his exceptional sensitivity to materials at a young age. At 15, he apprenticed with several architectural firms in Aachen, and in 1905 he moved to Berlin to work for architect and furniture designer Bruno Paul. He received his first independent commission in 1907, the Riehl House in Postdam, and it caught the attention of Peter Behrens, the most progressive architect of the era. Mies joined the firm, where he met Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, who were also working under Behrens. From 1915 to 1918, he served in the war and, upon returning to Berlin, became involved in the very active artistic scene of the 1920s, when Bauhaus De Stijl and Expressionism were all emerging. In 1924, Mies met Lilly Reich, whom he collaborated and was involved with for many years; together, they designed the Barcelona chair, which debuted at the Mies-designed Germany pavilion for the World’s Fair in 1929 and is now regarded as one of the most iconic designs of the modern era.
Auction Results Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
pair of lounge chairs from 860 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $53,750
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
sofa from 860 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $50,000
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Brno chairs, set of eight
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $46,250
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Custom Brno side chairs from The Four Seasons, set of eight
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $38,400
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
pair of Tugendhat chairs from 860 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $36,250
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
pair of Barcelona chair and ottomans from Philip Johnson's Wiley House, New Canaan
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $35,000
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
pair of Barcelona ottomans from 860 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $31,250
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Barcelona daybed from 860 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $30,000
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Custom Brno side chairs from The Four Seasons, set of four
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $27,500
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Barcelona daybed
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $27,500
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Custom Brno side chairs from The Four Seasons, set of four
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $25,600
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Brno chairs from The Four Seasons, set of twelve
estimate: $6,000–8,000
result: $23,750