#HTE

Retrospective of the Multi-Creative Bugatti Family Opens at the Petersen

1900 Throne by Carlo Bugatti in vellum, wood, metal

Talk about winning the creative gene jackpot. Giovanni Bugatti, born in 1823, was an artisan and stonemason. His son Carlo, a jewelry and furniture designer. Carlo’s youngest son, Rembrandt, was a sculptor. Carlo’s eldest son, Ettore, was a designer and engineer who formed the car company that we know today.

It doesn’t stop there—Ettore’s son Jean also became an automotive designer and engineer, while his daughters L'Ébé and Lidia were painters and authors.

This weekend, the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A. opened the “Art of Bugatti” retrospective, which gathers many of the family’s creative achievements all under one roof.

1932 Bugatti Royale Type 41 Coupe de Ville

Art of Bugatti gives museum-goers an inside look at the history of one of the great arts dynasties of the last two centuries beginning with the patriarch, Carlo Bugatti, and his unique path through the arts which included a mastery of painting, furniture design and manufacture and silversmithing. It then goes into great detail on the work of his sons, Rembrandt and Ettore Bugatti as well as Ettore’s children. Art of Bugatti offers a comprehensive history of the family with many examples of the works of art they created, both fine and automotive.

1907 Seated Panther by Rembrandt Bugatti in cast bronze, wood

1902 Chair by Carlo Bugatti in wood, metal, leather

1930 Elephant Radiator Badge Sketch by Lidia Bugatti - watercolor

The vehicles on display include the Type 41 Royale, Type 57 Atalante, Type 35 and Type 46 along with modern Bugattis like the EB110 and the recently unveiled Chiron. The assemblage of cars represents the entire span of the Bugatti automobile company and features vehicles designed by both Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean. The exhibition shows the evolution of both the Bugatti’s style and their engineering prowess.

1935 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

1898 Throne by Carlo Bugatti in wood, metal, vellum, silk, acrylic paint

1906 Barbara Bugatti by Rembrandt Bugatti in cast iron

“The Art of Bugatti is a show unlike any other and the Petersen is so pleased to be able to share it with our patrons,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry Karges. “The quality and variety of the art and automobiles on display is incredible and it truly gives a unique insight into the history of a fascinating and talented family. Art of Bugatti is an exhibition that isn’t to be missed.”

Bugatti Veyron