- 54
Eugene Berman
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Eugene Berman
- "Obelisco"
- with remnants of Venini paper label
- red tinted glass applied with clear glass prunts
- Height: 18 1/2 inches
model no. 4441
Provenance
Mark Isaacson, New York, acquired in 1984
Collection of Robert Mapplethorpe
Dimitri Levas, New York
Wright, Chicago, May 20, 2014, lot 174
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Collection of Robert Mapplethorpe
Dimitri Levas, New York
Wright, Chicago, May 20, 2014, lot 174
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Literature
Anna Venini Diaz de Santillana, Venini: Catalogue Raisonne 1921-1986, Milan, 2000, p. 220 (related model illustrated)
Franco Deboni, Venini Glass Catalogue 1921-2007, Volume II, Turin, 2007, pl. 143 (related model illustrated)
Marino Barovier, Paolo Venini and his Furnace, Milan, 2016, p. 413 (model illustrated)
Franco Deboni, Venini Glass Catalogue 1921-2007, Volume II, Turin, 2007, pl. 143 (related model illustrated)
Marino Barovier, Paolo Venini and his Furnace, Milan, 2016, p. 413 (model illustrated)
Condition
Overall condition very good, with the exception that one of the tiny applied clear glass prunts to the finial is lacking. There is a one very small rough area to the glass where the prunt was previously attached. This is located at the side of the spherical finial where the obelisk curves inward. There are occasional very minor age related surface abrasions. The color in the printed catalogue and website is not accurate. In reality the red is a slightly richer claret red. In the catalogue it appears too pale and slightly washed out. In conclusion this presents a rare opportunity to acquire a scarce model with excellent provenance.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The Russian born neo-romantic and surrealist scenographer Eugéne Berman (1899-1972) emigrated to the United States in 1930. During the early 1950s he designed a limited series of works inspired by the submerged world of the mythical city of Atlantis. These forms were composed of curved obelisks and small statues. The series was commercially unsuccessful and as a consequence very few examples were produced. Rosa Barovier Mentasti and Cristina Tonini