Italy
1940s
Blown glass
14″ wide x 11 1/4″ deep x 14″ high

Ercole Barovier (1889-1974) is one of the 20th century’s leading figures in the design of Murano glass. He started his career in 1919 as a partner at the Vetreria Artistica Barovier & Co., later becoming director alongside his brother. In 1936, he joined forces with Decio and Artemio Toso, founding the company that would become Barovier & Toso. As artistic director, designer and co-owner, he had an insatiable drive for invention. His contributions, especially in style and technique, are still an important resource for glassblowers today.

In this two-light sconce, there are many signature Barovier details to admire. The variety of textures and the thick, sinuous arms that support the glass shades, offer a bold counterpoint to the more delicate, gold-edged leaves that arch over them.