This rare Merletto vase demonstrates Archimede Seguso’s dexterity with Filigrana glass. In it he achieves the three-dimensional equivalent of line-drawing through the use of a single glass cane drawn over and through sculpted folds of scribbled filigree. The overall visual effect is similar to the frenetic drawings of Cy Twombly whose long-time residence in Italy is well known. In recent years, authors have often drawn parallels between the work of post-war Murano glass designers and their contemporaries in the fine arts, but in the case of Archimede Seguso such comparisons are more than justified.
Selected from an important private collection, this work is among a group of vessels created by designer and master blower Archimede Seguso and representing some of his most significant work from the 1950s.
While major auctions of Italian Glass usually include one or two examples of Seguso’s work, this is the first time a diverse and truly impressive group of masterworks are being presented in one sale. To that end, this is a rare opportunity to view a cross-section of Seguso’s best work executed at the height of his powers. It is our hope that in the present context, the depth and power of this historically significant material can be better understood and appreciated.
Archimede Seguso 1909–1999
During his long life Archimede Seguso worked in many of Murano’s most important glasshouses, but he would ultimately become famous for establishing and operating his own.
At a young age Seguso became an apprentice at the Vetreria Artistica Barovier where his father was a partner. In 1933 he became a founding member and principal master blower of the Barovier Seguso Ferro firm, which would become Seguso Vetri d’Arte in 1937. Here he collaborated extensively with the young designer Flavio Poli and earned a reputation as one of the greatest master blowers on the island.
In 1946 he established his own workshop, Veteria Archimede Seguso, where he served as both designer and master blower, personally executing almost every piece produced there for more than 40 years. During this time he developed many innovative glass designs that employed complex ancient techniques, such as Filigrana and successfully re-imagined them to suit post-war tastes.
Auction Results Archimede Seguso
