La Cova Sofa (The Nest) by Gianni Ruffi, 1973 – Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
(Description by Grok AI):
Whimsical Pop-Radical icon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA / MBAM): “La Cova” sofa by Italian designer Gianni Ruffi (b. 1938, Pistoia). This 1973 masterpiece, produced by Poltronova in Montale, Italy, transforms a giant bird’s nest into functional furniture. The core is hand-sculpted polyurethane foam, wrapped in spiraling strips of wool-and-cotton upholstery in earthy blues, greens, and browns that mimic woven twigs. Three oversized, smooth white “egg” cushions (polyurethane foam with polyester upholstery) nestle inside, doubling as extra seating or playful pillows. Gift of Joseph Menosky in memory of his wife Diane and of Shiva and Shelby, honouring the MMFA’s 150th anniversary (inv. 2010.63.1-4). Part of the Decorative Arts and Design collection. A joyful blend of surreal art, nature, and 1970s Italian radical design—pure creative exuberance!
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; Montreal, Quebec.
La Cova Sofa (The Nest) by Gianni Ruffi, 1973 – Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
(Description by Grok AI):
Whimsical Pop-Radical icon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA / MBAM): “La Cova” sofa by Italian designer Gianni Ruffi (b. 1938, Pistoia). This 1973 masterpiece, produced by Poltronova in Montale, Italy, transforms a giant bird’s nest into functional furniture. The core is hand-sculpted polyurethane foam, wrapped in spiraling strips of wool-and-cotton upholstery in earthy blues, greens, and browns that mimic woven twigs. Three oversized, smooth white “egg” cushions (polyurethane foam with polyester upholstery) nestle inside, doubling as extra seating or playful pillows. Gift of Joseph Menosky in memory of his wife Diane and of Shiva and Shelby, honouring the MMFA’s 150th anniversary (inv. 2010.63.1-4). Part of the Decorative Arts and Design collection. A joyful blend of surreal art, nature, and 1970s Italian radical design—pure creative exuberance!
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; Montreal, Quebec.