Dimitri Levas began collecting Italian glass in 1979, just as the field entered the secondary market. Levas purchased works from the few pioneering sources that existed at the time, including the now legendary Fifty/50 gallery in New York that was open from 1981-2002. In 1982, Levas began working with Robert Mapplethorpe. They shared an interest in art and design as well as a passion for collecting Italian glass. Their friendship and working relationship led to the further development of their collections and Mapplethorpe’s iconic photographs of vessels with flowers.

From monumental works by Napoleone Martinuzzi, rare and important vessels by Artisti Barovier and Artistica Barovier to masterworks by Fulvio Bianconi, Levas amassed an impressive collection of Murano glass by the field’s greatest masters. On May 20th, 2014 Wright will sell Dimitri Levas’ remarkable collection at auction and all lots will be on view in our New York gallery.

Installation by Juniper Tedhams