Ercole Barovier

made by Barovier & Toso, clear glass with gold foil, brass, most parts in 'rugiadoso' glass technique, sirenes partially in 'cordonato oro' glass technique

Casinò di Campione, Italy

Ercole Barovier 1889-1974, vetraio muranese, exhibition catalogue, Attilia Dorigato ed., Venice, 1989, pp. 71, 87, 136

A pair of monumental mirrors. Slightly richer gold colour than suggested by catalogue illustration. In good overall condition. Minor small nicks overall, which do not distract the overall appearance. The Sirens in good overall condition. The metal slightly tarnished overall with wear to gilding. The frame consists of twelve frame elements, each consisting of two or up to four glass sections. The mounts as well as the mirror frame are numbered for ease of assembly. Bottom right hand element has been refitted into mount to stabilise an old repair. Not tested or guaranteed for electricity. Magnificient pair of mirrors en suite with lot 58, ready for display.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1938 Ercole Barovier discovered and patented the glass technique known as 'Rugiadoso', and first exhibited a group of pieces at the XXII Biennale of 1940.  Incorporating gold leaf between granulated and colourless glass, the costly and elaborate technique was applied to a small scale production of bowls and vases.  The technique of the 'Cordonato oro' applied in the sirens dates to 1950, when it was first exhibited at the XXV Biennale. It appears that sirens were added to the mirrors after this date.

The three lots offered here were a unique commission for a casino in Campione, on the shores of Lake Lugano, Italy, which had been built in 1917, but is now demolished. Commissioned in the 1940s, the two pairs of unusually large mirrors adorned with sirenes, and the pair of appliques, highlight the splendour of the Belle Epoque casino and offer a virtuoso performance of Barovier's innovative technique.  Smaller versions of the appliques were also included in the commission, with two or three sets of leaves, rather than the five pairs in the current lot.

We are grateful to Lino Toso from Barovier & Toso, Murano, for his assistance in cataloguing these pieces. A copy of his authentificiation is available for examination on request.