The Montifiore Collection
Assembled in the early and mid 1990’s, the collection of Stephen Montifiore and Victoria DiNardo is an excellent example of a small, well-curated collection of post-war Murano glass. Acquiring pieces from Mark McDonald (of 50/Fifty and Gansevoort Gallery) and from important sales at major auction houses, the collectors focused on high quality Italian glass with strong forms and vibrant colors. While this collection contains rare pieces by Venini, Barovier, Archimede Seguso and others its real strength lies in the beauty and quality of each piece as well as the aesthetic appeal of the collection as a whole.
Ercole Barovier 1889–1974
The nearly fifty year tenure of Ercole Barovier as artistic director, designer and owner of Barovier & Toso is unprecedented in the history of Murano glass, and the firm’s success stands as a testament to his singular artistic talent and entrepreneurial genius.
Born in 1889 to a Muranese family that could trace its origins back to the 13th century, Barovier did not train as a glassblower but had a great passion for glass and quickly distinguished himself as an innovative designer. He joined Artisti Barovier in 1919 at the age of thirty and found success designing vases in the mosaic technique. In 1930 he produced the critically acclaimed and award-winning Primavera series, the success of which encouraged him to continue his experiments.
Auction Results Ercole Barovier
