Ercole BarovierBrocca in vetro di Murano Barbarico
About the Item
- Creator:Ercole Barovier (1889 - 1974, Italian)
- Dimensions:Height: 10.24 in (26 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:1650-1659
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Milano, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2323211942312
Ercole Barovier
Ercole Barovier left an indelible mark on the world of Italian modernist glassmaking — his vibrant use of color and exploration of innovative techniques yielded glass vases, chandeliers and other lighting and decorative objects that stand out in any interior many decades later.
Barovier grew up on the Venetian island of Murano, a region of the world famed for its production of artisanal glassworks. By the time he was born, in 1889, his family had already been in the glassmaking business for centuries, as the Barovier dynasty began in 1295. Nonetheless, Barovier did not choose glassmaking as his first career — he instead studied medicine as a young man before going on to work as a radio operator in the first World War.
The year after the war ended, Barovier joined his family’s business (over time, the manufactory’s names have included Fratelli Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C. and Artisti Barovier). He was appointed artistic director in 1926, and subsequently managed the business with his brother Nicolò. From 1927 onward, Barovier was the chief designer at his family’s glassworks. He became sole proprietor in 1934, and in 1936, merged his own family business with the Venetian glass factory SAIAR Ferro Toso. They renamed the company Barovier & Toso, a name under which the company still operates today.
Early in his career, Barovier garnered praise for his work with murrine glass, one of the traditional arts for which Murano is widely known. In the 1930s, he began pushing the boundaries of tradition and experimenting with new ways to bring color into his glass objects.
Ercole Barovier is credited with having invented colorazione a caldo senza fusione, a method of introducing metals and oxides into glassworks. His style became defined by his use of riotous color and later, audacious forms. He created sculptures, table lamps and other pieces using mosaic techniques to add a kaleidoscope of striking hues to his work. Barovier had a particular gift to bring out glass’s unique properties to refract and filter light in every shade of the rainbow.
Barovier took endless inspiration from the world around him, from the play of light reflecting off the canals near his home to artworks from classical antiquity. Prior to World War II, his works included naturalistic designs including floral sconces, vine-wrapped chandeliers and sea life-inspired bowls (the manufactory was known for sinuous lighting pieces that are often described as embodying “Liberty Style” — the Italian term for Art Nouveau).
Barovier focused on reinterpreting classical techniques and styles in the postwar years. Geometrically patterned vases that recalled Ancient Greek pottery in their bold forms — as well as precisely detailed Art Deco glass serving bowls — are among his characteristic works from this period. Gold leaf was applied as a decorative flourish, and Barovier worked to ensure that his pieces reflected contemporary trends. His mid-century glass is particularly sought after by today’s collectors.
Up until his retirement in 1972, Barovier continued his exploration of the creative potential in glassmaking. His fearlessness in combining cutting-edge techniques with deeply traditional practices led him to create over 25,000 designs over the course of his life.
Barovier’s work garnered international acclaim. He received many awards and accolades, including awards at the Milan Triennial exhibitions in 1933 and 1954, the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1937, and the Compasso d'Oro in 1956.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Ercole Barovier lighting, decorative objects and serveware.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Milano, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- CHIOCCIOLABy Lino TagliapietraLocated in Milano, ITMaster glassblower Lino Tagliapietra is one of the world’s most prominent glass artists. Trained in traditional Venetian techniques, Tagliapietra is a key influence on the American s...Category
Early 2000s Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsGlass
- PICCADILLYBy Lino TagliapietraLocated in Milano, ITMaster glassblower Lino Tagliapietra is one of the world’s most prominent glass artists. Trained in traditional Venetian techniques, Tagliapietra is a key influence on the American studio glass movement. In 1955, at the age of 21, Tagliapietra received the title of maestro. He established himself with vividly colored sculptures, which often take the shape of elegant teardrops. Master glass artists Dale Chihuly and Benjamin Moore invited Tagliapietra to teach at Pilchuck Glass...Category
2010s Sculptures
MaterialsBlown Glass
- FujiBy Lino TagliapietraLocated in Milano, ITUnique piece by The Glass MasterCategory
2010s Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsGlass, Blown Glass
- NiomeaBy Lino TagliapietraLocated in Milano, ITNiomea, which encompasses majesty and lightness together. Niomea has a dignified "posture" given by the perfect harmony between layering of colors and a delightful design. Reading Milan Kundera's novel "The Unbearable Lightness of Being...Category
2010s Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsGlass, Blown Glass
- FujiBy Lino TagliapietraLocated in Milano, ITThis is a unique piece by LINO TAGLIAPIETRA, made with hand blown glass.Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsGlass, Blown Glass
- MandalaBy Lino TagliapietraLocated in Milano, ITBlue, the color of the sea, of the sky, used a lot by Lino Tagliapietra. Mandala has two meanings. Externally it’s a visual representation of the universe. Internally it’s a guide to...Category
Early 2000s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsGlass, Blown Glass
- Glass Antlers, green and purpleBy Ira LujanLocated in Albuquerque, NMIra Lujan (Taos Pueblo), Purple and Green Glass Antlers, 2020Category
2010s Abstract Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsBlown Glass
- TRIPLE HELIXBy Lyle LondonLocated in Tempe, AZIntense, dynamic color radiates from this suspended sculpture made up of 3 intertwined spiral arrays. Color shifting dichroic glass within the polished stainless frames creates an e...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStainless Steel
- DOUBLE HELIXBy Lyle LondonLocated in Tempe, AZDOUBLE HELIX can suspended from a ceiling or from a semi circular tension bar as shown here. The dichroic glass shifts color from different points of vie...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStainless Steel
- "Bloom No. 1" from the Bloom Series, Abstract, Organic Sculpture in Blue AcrylicBy Norman MooneyLocated in New York, NYBloom No. 1 from the Bloom Series by Norman Mooney Acrylic, mirror-polished stainless steel, birch plywood base Ediion of 3 Inspired by the work of the 19th century biologist Ernst ...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStainless Steel
- "Bloom No. 2" from the Bloom Series, Abstract, Organic Sculpture in AcrylicBy Norman MooneyLocated in New York, NYBloom No. 2 from the Bloom Series by Norman Mooney White frosted acrylic, mirror-polished stainless steel, birch plywood base Edition of 3 Inspired by the work of the 19th century b...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal, Stainless Steel
- "Bloom No. 4" from the Bloom Series, Abstract, Organic Sculpture in SteelBy Norman MooneyLocated in New York, NYBloom No. 4 from the Bloom Series by Norman Mooney Mirror-polished stainless steel, birch plywood base Inspired by the work of the 19th century biologist Ernst Haeckel and his study...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal, Steel, Stainless Steel