Located in Nottingham, GB
A striking and highly collectible Murano art glass sculpture by Renato Anatra, depicting two lovers in an intimate embrace. Dating to approximately 1970–1980, this impressive hand-blown sculpture stands approximately 30.5 cm (12 inches) high and is an excellent example of Anatra's distinctive approach to contemporary figurative glass sculpture.
The sculpture depicts a male and female figure standing closely together in full frontal contact, their bodies elongated and simplified into an elegant, almost abstract composition. Their hands meet gently at their sides as the figures lean towards one another in a kiss.
Executed in beautifully clear, transparent glass, the sculpture has an extraordinary sense of lightness and purity. The simplified human forms allow the surrounding light to become part of the work, creating changing reflections and layers of transparency as it is viewed from different angles.
The figures rise from a substantial cylindrical opaque glass base, providing a strong visual foundation for the transparent sculpture above.
Importantly, the piece retains its original “Vetri Artistici Art ’80 Murano – Made in Italy” label to the side of the base and is additionally signed by the artist, with an incised:
“R. Anatra”
to the underside.
The combination of the original label and incised signature makes this an especially desirable example for collectors of Renato Anatra and post-war Murano art glass.
Measurements
Height: 30.5 cm (12 in.)
Width: 7.6 cm (3 in.)
Depth: 6.4 cm (2½ in.)
Weight: approximately 1.3 kg
Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
No chips, cracks, repairs or significant scratches noted. There are only a few very minor shelf-wear marks consistent with age and previous display.
The original Arte ’80 label remains present.
Please examine all photographs carefully, which form an integral part of the condition description.
Renato Anatra & Arte ’80
Renato Anatra was an important figure in the development of contemporary Murano glass sculpture and was associated with the Arte ’80 studio, which he co-founded with fellow glass artist Andrea Tagliapietra.
Anatra became particularly recognised for his sculptural works in clear glass, often reducing the human figure and other subjects to elegant, highly stylised forms that exploit the transparency, reflection and optical qualities of Murano glass.
His work has received international recognition, and examples of his glass sculpture have entered important collections and exhibitions. Among the works associated with his career is a polychrome glass guitar...
Category
Mid-20th Century Blown Glass Sculptures