Masterworks 
21 November 2017
Masterworks 
36

Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Vetro Mosaico vase

Italy, c. 1920
internally decorated glass with murrines and glass rods 6 h × 6 dia in (15 × 15 cm)
estimate: $30,000–50,000
result: $43,750
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Signed with murrine: [AB].
provenance: Private Collection, New York
literature: Venetian Art Glass: An American Collection 1840-1970, Barovier, pg. 63 illustrates similar example, ppg. 66, 68-69 illustrate form Venini: Catalogue Raisonné 1921-1986, Venini Diaz de Santillana, pg. 10 illustrates related form

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Both lyrical and visually complex, the Mosaico glass vessels made by Artistica Barovier at the beginning of the 20th century often depict vividly colored landscapes in bloom, yet each piece is unique in style and subject matter.

The shape of the vase presented here is well known and was produced sometime between 1914 and 1920. In it we see a dynamic three dimensional landscape—stylized bluebells hang from orange glass-cane branches, and the background and sky are composed of amber star-shaped murrines with circular centers. The overall visual effect is of a swirling Klimt inspired Secessionist painting, but compressed into a vivid, semi-transparent vessel. A fringe of green glass filaments around the base conveys the visual impression of grass. 

A similar example by Artistica Barovier at the Kunstmuseum, Düsseldorf

In addition this vase demonstrates several technical characteristics of special merit—the base has been ground flat, as has the top, which is unusual for Mosaico vessels of the period. In fact, the only other Barovier Mosaico vase yet discovered with these characteristics resides at the Kunstmuseum in Düsseldorf, Germany. In both vases we also see small areas of crusted gold leaf applied sparingly and with great discrimination. Both vases are signed at the lower edge with a stylized AB murine.

Archival information courtesy Düsseldorf Kunstmuseum, Düsseldorf Glasmuseum Hentrich. Research courtesy of Joakim Grönesjö and Dedo von Kerssenbrock-Krosigk.

Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Over its long history the Barovier company has had many names and incarnations; it began in 1878 as Fratelli Barovier, changing shortly thereafter to Artisti Barovier, and then becoming Artistica Barovier immediately after the war, in 1919. During this early period the Barovier brothers, Benvenuto and Giuseppe, were at the forefront of an artistic revival of Venetian glass which sought to recapture the technical and artistic glory of the past, while creating radically new designs and techniques. This culminated in a series of murrine vessels of exceptional beauty and technical virtuosity. 

Along with the murine vessels, a wide range of other exquisite works were designed during this period, many of which derived their shapes from classical antiquity but were executed in vibrant colors and experimental materials. Collaboration with other notable Venetian firms and designers also took place in the 1920s including a series of important murrine vessels and bowls presented on elegant wrought iron stands in the Byzantine and Art Nouveau styles by artist and master iron worker Umberto Bellotto.

Lots 36-39 are exquisite examples of the high level of innovation and  craftsmanship taking place at Artistica Barovier between 1920 and 1930.

Additional Works by Vetreria Artistica Barovier

36 Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Vetro Mosaico vase

estimate: $30,000–50,000

result: $43,750

37 Vetreria Artistica Barovier and Umberto Bellotto

Coppa su stelo

estimate: $70,000–90,000

result: $112,500

38 Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Monumental a Murrine Floreali vase

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $32,500

39 Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Soffiato vase

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $32,500

36 Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Vetro Mosaico vase

estimate: $30,000–50,000

result: $43,750

37 Vetreria Artistica Barovier and Umberto Bellotto

Coppa su stelo

estimate: $70,000–90,000

result: $112,500

38 Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Monumental a Murrine Floreali vase

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $32,500

39 Vetreria Artistica Barovier

Soffiato vase

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $32,500
36