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.
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso made in Italy in the 1930s. Founded in 1295 in Murano, Italy, Barovier & Toso stands as one of the oldest family businesses glo...
Brass
Art Deco Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Art Deco Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940.
Brass
Imposing Rare Barovier Fountain Chandelier, White Puligoso, 1930s, Murano Deco
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Sophisticated chandelier from Ercole Barovier. A rare beautiful chandelier, the bottom bowl is in horizontal ribbed hand opened clear etched glass crowned by a set of 12 large and h...
Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Art Deco Murano Glass Italian Pendant Chandelier "Pulegoso", 30s
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass chandelier blown with the Pulegoso technique, glass with air bubbles inside. Designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C in the late 1930...
Brass
Murano Chandelier by Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
This extraordinary chandelier, attributed to Ercole Barovier and dating to the 1940s, represents one of the most poetic expressions of postwar Murano glassmaking. The piece seems to...
Brass
Art Deco Ercole Barovier Venini Murano Glass Chandelier 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
This exquisite Murano glass Art Deco chandelier, to celebrated designer Ercole Barovier, embodies the Venetian elegance and craftsmanship of the 1930s or 1940s. Its central metal fra...
Brass
Ercole Barovier, Art Deco Murano Glass Pendant, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Art Deco Murano glass pendant produced in Italy during the 30s by Ercole Barovier. It is made from Murano glass and brass details with original patina. The central piece is made from...
Brass
Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant handblown Murano chandelier by Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Brass
A rare brass mounted 8 arms horizontal chandelier by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in London, GB
A very rare horizontal brass mounted 8 arm Murano glass chandelier designed & produced by the glass master Ercole Barovier in the early 1930s . All glass is intact with natural pati...
Brass
Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant handblown Murano chandelier by Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Brass
Charming Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Extraordinary chandelier mid-20th century Art Deco by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940. Nine lights.
Brass
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Art Deco Murano glass pendant by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1930-1939. Very elegant design centred by a Murano crystal glass tulip, brass mou...
Crystal, Brass
Art Deco twisted glass chandelier, Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy, circa 1940
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Paris, FR
Art Deco chandelier by Barovier & Toso, based on a design by Ercole Barovier. Chrome-plated brass structure and accessories, the central suspension arm and the body of the chandelier...
Brass, Chrome
Barovier & Toso Murano Clear Glass Leaf Chandelier, Italy 1950's
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A entire Murano blown clear glass chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1950s. With four downwards four light-arms with glass tulips and six upwards glass leaves. This beautiful piec...
Murano Glass
Art Deco Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Wonderful and rare Art Deco chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940s. Piece of exquisite quality. From Private collection by Giancarlo Planta.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Brass & Murano Glass
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian chandelier made of a rectangular brass base and hand blown Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso, in good condition. The pendant, ceiling light is composed with six round rostrato lamp...
Metal, Brass
Ercole Barovier Precious Murano Chandelier "Reticello" Venice, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary chandelier by Ercole Barovier. A jewel hanging in the middle of the room. Three E14 light bulbs.
Brass
Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
The chandelier by Ercole Barovier (Murano, 1940) Imagine Venice in the early 1940s. The furnaces of Murano are still working as if time itself had chosen to slow down. Among the mos...
Brass
Magnificent Art Deco Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional eight-shade Murano glass chandelier with gold intrusion . Elegant shaped fine quality brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Unique Art Deco beauty in excellent vintage condi...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier, large five-arm Murano glass chandelier, Italy, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
An elegant five-arm chandelier by Ercole Barovier, crafted from Murano glass using the signature silvered and iridescent glass technique. The central structure is dominated by a larg...
Murano Glass
Art Deco Brass Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional six-shade Murano glass chandelier with elegant shaped brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Excellent vintage condition, the glasses are in perfect condition. Six E 27 light...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano glass chandelier. Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Murano glass suspension lamp by Ercole Barovier and produced in Italy durong the 1940s. A refined example of mid-century Murano craftsmanship, this chandelier features a sculptural b...
Murano Glass
Art Deco Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Amazing and elegant hand blown Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Brass
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Very rare Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso made in Italy in the 1930s. Founded in 1295 in Murano, Italy, Barovier & Toso stands as one of the oldest family busine...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano Glass, Italy
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian chandelier made of hand blown smoked Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso in good condition. The detaile...
Metal
Liberty Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Handblown Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Metal
Art Deco Brass Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier attr. Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional six-shade Murano glass chandelier with elegant shaped brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Excellent vintage condition, the glasses are in perfect condition. Six E 27 light b...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Precious Murano Chandelier "Reticello" Venice, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary chandelier by Ercole Barovier. A jewel hanging in the middle of the room. Three E14 light bulbs. Cleaned and re-wired, in full working order and ready to use. In exce...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Raindrop Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round vintage Mid-Century modern Italian raindrop chandelier, pendant made of hand blown smoked Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and pr...
Metal, Chrome
Museal Art Decò Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Chandelier, 1930
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1930s A rare and highly refined Murano glass chandelier designed by Ercole Barovier...
Murano Glass
Art Deco Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Amazing and elegant handblown Bulicante Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. Measure: Diameter cm 70 Height cm 115 From Private collection.
Brass
Art Deco brass chandelier with Murano glass by Ercole Barovier Venini 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
This 5-light chandelier by Ercole Barovier, made in the 1940s from Murano glass, is an exquisite example of the elegance and craftsmanship of Venetian design of the period. The struc...
Brass
Liberty Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
hand blown Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. From private collection Von plant Baron.
Metal
Magnificent Art Deco Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional eight-shade Murano glass chandelier with gold intrusion . Elegant shaped fine quality brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Unique Art Deco beauty in excellent vintage condi...
Blown Glass
Rare Art Deco Ercole Barovier chandelier in Pulegoso Murano glass. Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
A stunning and rare Art Deco chandelier designed by Ercole Barovier, crafted in Italy during the 1940s. This exceptional piece is made of Pulegoso Murano glass, a distinctive techniq...
Murano Glass
Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier from the 30's in Murano glass
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian suspension lamp from the '40s by Italian designer Ercole Barovier for the Venetian manufacturer Barovier & Toso. Center bar, canopy and diffuser in thick transparent Mura...
Murano Glass
Magnificent Art Deco Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional eight-shade Murano glass chandelier with gold intrusion . Elegant shaped fine quality brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Unique Art Deco beauty in excellent vintage condi...
Blown Glass
Elegant Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier 1940'
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional eight-shade Murano glass chandelier with elegant shaped fine quality brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Unique Art Deco beauty in excellent vintage condition. Eight E 2...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier 1940s Chandelier from 'Lenti' Series
By Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier elegant and rare clear crystal glass chandelier from Lenti series with semi-spherical applications, glass stem and matching canopy. This crystal glass chandelier with...
Glass
Spectacular Murano "Stalactite" Chandelier Attributed to Barovier - Italy 1940.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and spectacular Murano " Stalactite" six light chandelier. Attributed to Barovier- Murano. Circa 1940.
Murano Glass
Rostrato Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Rostrato Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
Glass
Precious Chandelier "Reticello" by Ercole Barovier, Venice, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary chandelier by Ercole Barovier. A jewel hanging in the middle of the room. From the private collection of Baron Von Plant.
Brass
Chandelier Art Deco by Ercole Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Chandelier Art Deco by Ercole Barovier, 1940.
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Precious Murano Chandelier "Reticello" Venice, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary chandelier by Ercole Barovier. A jewel hanging in the middle of the room. Three E14 light bulbs.
Brass
Art Deco Murano Light by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ware, GB
Graceful Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier. c. 1930s The long brass stem suspends from a fluted rose and is encased in Murano glass. The pretty bowl light rests in an orb of 3 pie...
Brass
Charming Italian Midcentury Murano Fixture by Ercole Baroviera
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
With a precious handblown 'costolature' cup, rare pink peach color. Three E27 light bulbs.
Blown Glass
Charming Italian Midcentury Pink Peach Color Murano Fixture by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
With a precious hand blown 'costolature' cup, rare pink peach color. Three E27 light bulbs.
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Moulded Glass Chandelier, Italy, circa 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in London, GB
A striking Rostrato glass chandelier designed by Ercole Barovier, dating to the 1940s. The chandelier features a sculptural moulded-glass shade distinguished by its highly textured s...
Brass
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930s
Murano Glass
Beautiful Scenery Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful scenery chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940.
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Midcentury "Rostrato" Murano Glass Italian Chandelier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
A very elegant Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier hand blown Murano glass construction using the Rostrato technique presented at The Biennale di Venezia in 1938.
Brass
Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
The chandelier by Ercole Barovier (Murano, 1940) Imagine Venice in the early 1940s. The furnaces of Murano are still working as if time itself had chosen to slow down. Among the mos...
Brass
Art Deco Murano Light by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ware, GB
A very pretty Italian Murano glass light by Ercole Barovier, c. 1930s The long brass stem suspends from a glass fluted rose and is encased in Murano glass. The delicate bowl light r...
Brass
Art Deco Murano Light by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ware, GB
An exceptional, Art Deco Murano glass ceiling light, by Barovier & Toso, one of the most celebrated Venetian glassmakers. The distinctive piece features a striking octagonal clear g...
Brass
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Vintage handblown clear glass [rostrato] oblong-shaped chandelier comprised of six lights. Ornate silver fittings and steel structure. Measures: Stem is 31 in H and it can be shor...
Art Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Opal White Chalcedony Italian Art Glass Pendant Lampshade
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Rare, extra large, vintage Murano hand blown opalescent white Italian art glass hanging pendant lamp shade with crown decoration. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for Barovier...
Silver Leaf
Round Barovier Lantern Ruggiadoso Midcentury Italian Design Mushroom Pulegoso
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Round Ercole Barovier lantern Ruggiadoso midcentury Italian design mushroom, Pulegoso. 3 light bulbs E27 max 100 Watt each.
Murano Glass
Rare Mid Century Modern Chandelier or Pendant Lamp 'Putti' by Barovier & Toso
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in München, BY
Gorgeous, highly decorative Mid-Century Modern 'Putti' pendant lamp or chandelier. Designed & manufactured by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1950s. Executed in Murano Glass and brass, the ...
Brass
Art Deco Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Art Deco Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940. It is a very rare piece. The engraving on glass of two cornucopias is remarkable.
Brass
Delicious Murano Glass Pendant or Lantern by Ercole Barovier, 1930
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Piece of great elegance designed by Ercole Barovier. Two fine rostrato handblown bowl surrounded by two amazing leaves. All glass parts are in excelle...
Glass