Though widely known for his brutalist architecture, Carlo Scarpa began his career working in a far more delicate medium—venetian glass. After his appointment with M. V. M. Cappelin in 1926, Scarpa played a significant role in the revival of venetian glassmaking in the early 20th century, becoming known for his colorful, technically-advanced, and intricate objects. A selection of Scarpa's glass works will be up for auction on May 4 at Christie's New York.
Carina Villinger, head of the design department at Christie's, explains that Scarpa made notable technical advancements to the world of Venetian glassmaking. One of Scarpa's most iconic contributions was his Murrine Opache technique. Rather than blowing glass traditionally, Murrine works are made by fusing together tiny cubic elements to make one complete glass object. This process is structurally challenging—a notable precursor to Scarpa's success as an architect.
Another innovative technique Scarpa popularized was the Corroso style of glass making. "During cooling," Villinger explains, "a vase is stuffed with acid-impregnated sawdust to create a beautiful textured, matte surface."
When designing glass objects, Scarpa drew inspiration from centuries and empires past. Villinger notes that his iconic Murrine works were influenced by ancient Roman glass and Byzantine mosaics. "He took all the old elements and transformed them into something new and revolutionary," she says. Scarpa himself penned, “When my time comes, cover me with these words, because I am a man of Byzantium who came to Venice by way of Greece.”
Despite his transition to architecture, for which he remains most remembered, Scarpa's advancements in glass persist. "He was revolutionary," Villinger says. "He provided a roadmap for Venetian glass for the next 100 years."
