Archimede Seguso (1909-1999), one of the great
Muranese masters, took traditional glassmaking techniques to extremes. His
introduction of merletto lacework technique at the Venice Biennale of 1952
turned heads. His secret for embedding fine lacy threads of glass was
never shared. Rather than apply the filigree to the surface of vessels as
was traditionally done, Seguso floated these delicate wisps of color
inside the glass.
Archimede Seguso was also a sculptor. His preference for solid glass and
love of nature resulted in a glass menagerie of feathered, scaled, and
furry creatures. In the late 1950s he debuted with an array of alabastro
figurals mimicking natural white alabaster, as well as the stone in
delicious colors.
This book, the first on the subject written in English, shows the full
array of his extraordinary work in almost 500 full color photos from
collections around the world. With focus on the 1950s and the Venice
Biennales, his designs for decanters, vases, bowls, and animal sculpture
from the period are shown with detailed captions and a price guide. This
book also includes a history, bibliography, index, and illustrated
glossary of terms. |
