Wright Auction

In this sale we are thrilled to have two Primavera designs made by the company Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C. in 1929-30. The Primavera series, designed by Ercole Barovier, is widely considered the most important in Murano glass of the 20th century. The Barovier family is one of the oldest glass furnaces (founded in 1295) and they are responsible for developing some of the most significant and innovative techniques, Primavera among them. Ercole Barovier, though a member of this venerated family, was not initially interested in glass blowing but became enthralled with the chemistry of glass and eventually joined the company in 1919, becoming artistic director in 1926 (he would remain director until 1972). In 1929, working with the master blowers and chemists, he developed the technique Primavera. This glass is composed of threads of tiny white bubbles which look a bit like lace. When examined closely, these microscopic bubbles appear to move. The subtlety of this labyrinth of bubbles is difficult to capture in photos but mesmerizing in person. We are able to date these works so precisely for a rather strange reason: after the first batch was created the recipe was lost. All manner of objects were made in this material, though only a few hundred in total. 

This material was perfectly suited for the Italian Novecento style, the webbing is both dramatic and mysterious. The bodies of Primavera vessels are white but the details (lip, foot and applications) are generally in very dark colors which initially appear black but are in fact either deep amethyst or blue. In the Pianta (plant) form the glass looks black but is really amethyst and the elaborate footed vase has details made in dark blue glass (the color is most visible at the lip). These Primavera works are exciting examples and each expresses the spirit of the Jazz Age perfectly.