Francesco Rapisardi Rationalist 1930s Dining or Center Table

Francesco Rapisardi, dining or center table, aluminum, buxus veneer, nickel-plated brass, wood, Italy, late 1920s/ 1930s

An exceptional design piece by Francesco Rapisardi, the brother and collaborator of Italian architect Gaetano Rapisardi (Syracuse, 1893 – Rome, 1988), this table is a rare and extraordinary example of rationalist design. While post-war critiques have, at times, overshadowed the earlier achievements of the Rapisardi family, recent research has begun to reappraise their significant contributions to the architectural fabric of cities like Rome. We are therefore delighted to present a tangible result of their enduring legacy; an object deeply rooted in the rationalist principles championed by contemporaries such as Giuseppe Pagano-Pogatschnig and Gino Levi Montalcini.

This table exemplifies the rigorous, almost architectural logic that underpins the rationalist movement. Its geometric precision is reinforced by a clean structure of exposed lines and curves that create a sense of order and logic. The designer remains faithful to the principle of material integrity, one of rationalism’s core tenets, employing each element in its unembellished, authentic form. The top and base are executed in brushed aluminum, creating a cool, industrial surface that reflects the rationalist affinity for modern materials and clarity of form. The edges and cone-structure are framed in buxus wood, offering a warm, natural contrast that speaks to the movement’s concern with material honesty and tactile quality. Supporting the tabletop are four symmetrically curved arms in nickel-plated brass. These structural elements are not concealed but proudly exposed, a hallmark of rationalist design, which celebrates function as form. Their elegant curvature softens the table's geometric rigor, introducing a subtle dynamism without compromising its underlying logic. At the center, a tapered wooden cone meets a black spherical element, enriching the structural composition and introducing a striking focal point. Every aspect of this table expresses a commitment to clarity, proportion, and constructive truth; qualities that lie at the heart of Italian rationalism.