Carlo Scarpa 1906–1978

Born in Venice, Carlo Scarpa graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti in Venice in 1926. Soon after his graduation he began work at M.V.M. Cappellin, where he soon replaced Vittorio Zecchin as artistic director. Following the direction laid down by Zecchin, he initially created transparent blown-glass pieces with essential forms, in particular the pieces exemplified by their conic base. Scarpa later designed light glass pieces in brightly colored pasta vitrea, or decorated fenici. Deservedly famous was the refined collection of lattimi decorated with gold or silver leaf, which he presented for the first time in Monza in 1930 together with the canne verticali and millefiori glass works. Giacomo Cappellin closed the workshop in 1932 for bankruptcy, putting an end to the collaboration with Carlo Scarpa. In 1934, Scarpa became the artistic director of Venini & C., where he continued to work through 1947. Alongside Paolo Venini, who often participated in the design of glass, Carlo Scarpa experimented with the vast potential of glass, using and innovating many traditional techniques, by which he created extraordinary modern pieces. After the mezza filigrana glass works came the sommersi, the pasta vitrea inspired by Chinese ceramic motifs, the corrosi, the battuti, the vessels a fasce colorate, a pennellate, the variegati, and the famous multicolored murrine with the surfaces finished at the carving wheel. After World War II, Carlo Scarpa worked almost exclusively as an architect and teacher.

Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Pasta vitrea
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1929-1930

Carlo Scarpa Pasta vitreaMaestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1929-1930

Red pasta vitrea vase with two side handles, decorated throughout with gold leaf.

5 7/8 in. high (15 cm)
Exhibitions:
1929, Paris, Salon d’Automne;
1930, Monza, 4th Esposizione delle Arti Decorative e Industriali Moderne;
1931, Amsterdam, Exhibition of modern Italian glass, ceramic, and artistic lacework, Stedelijk Museum;
1964, Venice, 32nd Biennale Internazionale d’Arte, Exhibition of
the Decorative Arts of the Venetian Territory;
2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
M.V.M. Catalogue, n. 5911; Domus, 1930, January, p. 38; Mostra di vetri…, 1931, pp. 22, 23; Venezianisches Glas…, 1981, p. 64; Murano Glass…, 1982, n. 122; Mostra del Vetro…, 1984, p. 83;
W. Warmus, 1989, n. 4;
M. Barovier, 1991, n. 1, 2;
M. Barovier, 1997, p. 194;
M. Barovier, 1998 (b), pp. 7, 8, 9;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 141;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 19;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 36.

Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C.  1925–1932

M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was founded in 1925 by Giacomo Cappellin after the closing of Cappellin Venini & C. Vittorio Zecchin, a painter from Murano who had worked for Cappellin Venini, continued his collaboration with Cappellin for a short time, designing soffiati, blown glass pieces characterized by delicate colors and pure lines. At the end of 1926, following Zecchin's departure, the young Carlo Scarpa took over the artistic direction of the company. Initially, he proceeded along the course taken by his predecessor, creating lightweight blown pieces with simple geometric forms. These were followed by many collections of refined elegance characterized by various transparent textures and often distinguished by vivid colors. Despite the remarkable success at the 1930 Biennale di Monza, M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was forced to close in January 1932. This was most likely the result of inefficient financial management.

Pasta vitrea
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1929-1930
Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Pasta vitrea
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1929-1930

Carlo Scarpa Pasta vitreaMaestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1929-1930

A red pasta vitrea vase with applied foot.

Acid stamped: M.V.M. Cappellin Murano.
8 1/4 in. high (21 cm)
Exhibitions:
1929, Paris, Salon d’Automne;
1930, Monza, 4th Esposizione delle Arti Decorative e Industriali Moderne;
1931, Amsterdam, Exhibition of modern Italian glass, ceramic, and artistic lacework, Stedelijk Museum;
1964, Venice, 32nd Biennale Internazionale d’Arte, Exhibition of the Decorative Arts of the Venetian Territory; 2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
M.V.M. Catalogue, n. 5911; Domus, 1930, January p. 38; Mostra di vetri…, 1931, pp. 22, 23; Venezianisches Glas…, 1981, p. 64; Murano Glass…, 1982, n. 122; Mostra del vetro…, 1984, p. 83;
M. Karasik, 1989, n. 4; M. Barovier, 1991, nn. 1, 2; M. Barovier, 1997, p. 194;
M. Barovier, 1998(b), pp. 7, 8, 9;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 141;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 21;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 35.

Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C.  1925–1932

M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was founded in 1925 by Giacomo Cappellin after the closing of Cappellin Venini & C. Vittorio Zecchin, a painter from Murano who had worked for Cappellin Venini, continued his collaboration with Cappellin for a short time, designing soffiati, blown glass pieces characterized by delicate colors and pure lines. At the end of 1926, following Zecchin's departure, the young Carlo Scarpa took over the artistic direction of the company. Initially, he proceeded along the course taken by his predecessor, creating lightweight blown pieces with simple geometric forms. These were followed by many collections of refined elegance characterized by various transparent textures and often distinguished by vivid colors. Despite the remarkable success at the 1930 Biennale di Monza, M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was forced to close in January 1932. This was most likely the result of inefficient financial management.

Pasta vitrea
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1929-1930
Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Pasta vitrea
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1930

Carlo Scarpa Pasta vitreaMaestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1930

Red iridized pasta vitrea pitcher with a large handle and trim in black pasta vitrea.

Acid stamped: M.V.M. Cappellin Murano.
9 5/8 in. high (24.5 cm)
Exhibitions:
1929, Paris, Salon d’Automne;
1930, Monza, 4th Esposizione delle Arti Decorative e Industriali Moderne; 1931, Amsterdam, Exhibition of modern Italian glass, ceramic, and artistic lacework, Stedelijk Museum;
1964, Venice, 32nd Biennale Internazionale d’Arte, Exhibition of
the Decorative Arts of the Venetian Territory; 2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
M.V.M. Catalogue, n. 5536; Domus, 1930, January p. 38; Mostra di vetri…, 1931, pp. 22, 23; Venezianisches Glas…, 1981, p. 64; Murano Glass…, 1982, n. 122; Mostra del vetro…, 1984, p. 83;
M. Karasik, 1989, n. 4;
M. Barovier, 1991, nn. 1, 2;
M. Barovier, 1997, p. 194;
M. Barovier, 1998 (b), pp. 7, 8, 9;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 141;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 22;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 34.

Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C.  1925–1932

M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was founded in 1925 by Giacomo Cappellin after the closing of Cappellin Venini & C. Vittorio Zecchin, a painter from Murano who had worked for Cappellin Venini, continued his collaboration with Cappellin for a short time, designing soffiati, blown glass pieces characterized by delicate colors and pure lines. At the end of 1926, following Zecchin's departure, the young Carlo Scarpa took over the artistic direction of the company. Initially, he proceeded along the course taken by his predecessor, creating lightweight blown pieces with simple geometric forms. These were followed by many collections of refined elegance characterized by various transparent textures and often distinguished by vivid colors. Despite the remarkable success at the 1930 Biennale di Monza, M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was forced to close in January 1932. This was most likely the result of inefficient financial management.

Pasta vitrea
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1930
Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Trasparente a ballotton; Inamiciato
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1930-1931; 1929-1930

Carlo Scarpa Trasparente a ballotton; InamiciatoMaestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1930-1931; 1929-1930

A globular-shaped vase in transparent green glass decorated
a ballotton with gold leaf applications.
7 7/8 in. high (20 cm)

A globular-shaped vase in lattimo glass cased in red with a conical foot.
6 3/4 in. high (17.1 cm)
Exhibitions:
Incamiciato: 1930, Monza, 4th Esposizione delle Arti Decorative e Industriali Moderne; 1931, Amsterdam, Exhibition of modern Italian glass, ceramic, and artistic lacework, Stedelijk Museum; 2000, New York, Venetian Glass, Museum of Arts & Design; 2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
Trasparente: M.V.M. Catalogue, n. 5673;
Incamiciato: M.V.M. Catalogue, n. 5680;
Dedalo, 1930, book 5, p. 321;
Domus, 1930, July, p. 41;
Domus, 1930, September, p. 32;
C.A. Felice, 1930, nn. 12, 30, 40, 81, 82;
U. Nebbia, 1930, p. 13;
Mostra di vetri…, 1931, pp. 22, 25, 26;
C.A. Felice, 1941, p. 81;
Vetri Murano…, 1981, p. 33;
Vetri di Murano…, 1982, n. 125;
Mostra del Vetro…, 1984, pp. 81, 84;
F. Deboni, 1996, n. 70;
M. Barovier, 1997, pp. 198, 199;
M. Barovier, 1998 (b), pp. 12, 13;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 141;
Olnick Spanu, 2000, n. 20;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 33;
A. Dorigato, 2002, p.260.

Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C.  1925–1932

M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was founded in 1925 by Giacomo Cappellin after the closing of Cappellin Venini & C. Vittorio Zecchin, a painter from Murano who had worked for Cappellin Venini, continued his collaboration with Cappellin for a short time, designing soffiati, blown glass pieces characterized by delicate colors and pure lines. At the end of 1926, following Zecchin's departure, the young Carlo Scarpa took over the artistic direction of the company. Initially, he proceeded along the course taken by his predecessor, creating lightweight blown pieces with simple geometric forms. These were followed by many collections of refined elegance characterized by various transparent textures and often distinguished by vivid colors. Despite the remarkable success at the 1930 Biennale di Monza, M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was forced to close in January 1932. This was most likely the result of inefficient financial management.

Trasparente a ballotton; Inamiciato
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1930-1931; 1929-1930
Photograph by Luca Vignelli
Trasparente
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1926-1931

Carlo Scarpa TrasparenteMaestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1926-1931

Vessel in transparent blue glass decorated with applications of
gold leaf.

5 7/8 in. high (15 cm)
Exhibitions:
1926, Paris, Salon d’Automne;
1927, Monza, 3th Mostra Internazionale delle Arti Decorative;
1930, Monza, 4th Mostra Internazionale delle Arti Decorative e Industriali Moderne;
1931, Amsterdam, Exhibition of modern Italian glass, ceramic, and artistic lacework, Stedelijk Museum;
2001, Milan, Murano: Vetri dalla Collezione Olnick Spanu, Spazio Oberdan.

Bibliography and comparative texts:
P. Du Colombier, 1926, p. 187;
Domus, 1928, December, p. 59;
G. Dell’Oro, 1931, p. 563;
Mostra di vetri…, 1931, p. 19;
Domus, 1933, October, pp. 527-529;
R. Barovier Mentasti, 1982, p. 260;
Mille anni…, 1982, p. 262;
Vetri Murano…, 1982, p. 26;
Vetri di Murano…, 1982, n. 106;
F. Deboni, 1996, p. 34;
M. Barovier, 1997, p. 192;
M. Barovier, 1998 (a), p. 6;
M. Barovier, 1999, p. 114;
Olnick Spanu, 2001, n. 32.

Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C.  1925–1932

M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was founded in 1925 by Giacomo Cappellin after the closing of Cappellin Venini & C. Vittorio Zecchin, a painter from Murano who had worked for Cappellin Venini, continued his collaboration with Cappellin for a short time, designing soffiati, blown glass pieces characterized by delicate colors and pure lines. At the end of 1926, following Zecchin's departure, the young Carlo Scarpa took over the artistic direction of the company. Initially, he proceeded along the course taken by his predecessor, creating lightweight blown pieces with simple geometric forms. These were followed by many collections of refined elegance characterized by various transparent textures and often distinguished by vivid colors. Despite the remarkable success at the 1930 Biennale di Monza, M.V.M. Cappellin & C. was forced to close in January 1932. This was most likely the result of inefficient financial management.

Trasparente
Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., 1926-1931