Carlo Scarpa: Timeless Masterpieces

the exhibition reconstructs the creative journey of the renowned architect from 1926 to 1947, a period during which he collaborated with the two most prominent Murano glassmakers of the time: M.V.M. Cappellin & Co. and Venini.

The Olnick Spanu Collection comprises 596 Murano works by 43 artists and designers, among them Vittorio Zecchin, Artisti Barovier, Napoleone Martinuzzi, Fulvio Bianconi, Massimo Vignelli, Thomas Stearns, Giorgio Vigna and Yoichi Ohira.

Among the glassworks created for M.V.M, the exhibition features the Pasta vitrea series, created between 1929 and 1930 and distinguished by their brilliant colors, material consistency, and gold-leaf application.

Among the glassworks created for Venini, notable examples include a vase and cup from the Laccati neri e rossi series from 1940, whose characteristic coloring gives them the appearance of Chinese lacquer.

“In the furnace, Scarpa observes everything, he is curious and thirsty for knowledge, eager to manipulate the material, change its appearance, colors, and forms,” Barovier writes.

“His journey takes place discreetly alongside the glass masters who have the experience, who know the tricks of an ancient craft rooted in tradition passed down from master to master. But he himself becomes a master."