Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr is excited to announce the auction of exceptional works by Roberto Rida on March 12, 2025, in Paris. The sale will feature a curated selection of furniture and objects directly from Rida’s Milan studio. A key figure in 20th-century Italian design, Rida is celebrated for his visionary approach to glass and light. His studio in Milan’s Navigli district invites visitors into a world of mirrors, lighting, consoles, cabinets, and screens adorned with meticulously cut glass.

An artist with a deep cultural background, Rida blends past, present, and future by repurposing seemingly mundane glass pieces, polishing or leaving them raw. His works are born from spontaneous experimentation, each piece a unique creation.

Born in Milan in 1943, Rida’s passion for drawing began at a young age, encouraged by his cultured and artistic aunt. He studied at the Academy of Brera, showing early promise, and after completing his military service, he settled in Venice as an antique dealer. There, he met the masters of Murano glass, who mentored him for eight years.

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In 1973, Rida returned to Milan, where he specialized in 20th-century decorative arts. His fascination with glass led him to create furniture and lighting pieces that incorporated glass and crystal. As an antique dealer, he amassed a collection of Italian glass from the early to mid-20th century, including works from Barovier & Toso, Fontana Arte, Venini, and Seguso. Rida transformed these rare glass elements by polishing, cutting, and incorporating them into his own contemporary designs, combining traditional Murano craftsmanship with his modern sensibilities.

Rida’s work has garnered the attention of prominent interior designers, such as Laurence Graf and Gianni Versace. Notably, renowned architect Peter Marino acquired the Argo console at auction to display it in Chanel’s London flagship store. Collaborations with Milanese artists, including Alessandro Guerriero in 2011 and Simone Crestani in 2020, have further cemented Rida’s reputation in the design world.

This sale offers collectors a unique chance to acquire some of the most coveted pieces of 20th-century Italian design, showcasing Rida’s continued impact on the global design landscape.

Contact us

Claire Gallois de Bagneux
Head of Modern Decorative Art & Design department in Paris
claire.gallois@bonhams-csc.com