Carlo Scarpa was born in Venice in 1906 and became one of the leading figures of architecture and international design during the 20th century. At merely 21 years old — and still a student at the Academy of Fine Arts — Scarpa began working as a designer for master Murano glassmaker M.V.M. Cappellin. Within a few years, he completely revolutionized the approach to art glass.
In a short time, under the guidance of Scarpa, the Capellin furnace not only established itself as the top glass company, but above all it introduced modernity and international fame to Murano glassmaking. Scarpa created a personal style of glassmaking, a new vision that irreversibly changed glass production.
The young Scarpa experimented with new models and colors: his chromatic combinations, impeccable execution and geometric shapes became his modus operandi. Thanks to Scarpa’s continuous research on vitreous matter, Cappellin produced a series of high-quality glass objects, that saw the company revisiting ancient processing techniques such as the watermark and Phoenician decoration.
When he encountered the challenge of opaque glass, Scarpa proposed introducing textures of considerable chromatic impact, such as glass pastes and glazed glass with bright colors. Scarpa also collaborated in the renovation of Palazzo da Mula in Murano, the home of Cappellin. At the academy, he obtained the diploma of professor of architectural design and obtained an honorary degree from the Venice University Institute of Architecture of which he was director.
In 1931, Scarpa's collaboration with Cappellin ended, following the bankruptcy of the company because it was not able to withstand the economic crisis linked to the Great Depression. But Scarpa did not go unnoticed by Paolo Venini — in 1933, the young designer became the new artistic director of the biggest glass company in Murano.
Master glassmakers thought Scarpa's projects and sketches were impossible, but the passionate and curious designer always managed to get exactly what he wanted. Until 1947 he remained at the helm of Venini & Co., where he created some of the best known masterpieces of modern glassmaking. Scarpa’s work with Venini was characterized by the continuous research on the subject, the use of color and techniques that he revisited in a very personal way, and the development of new ways of working with master glassmakers.
At the beginning of the 1930s, "bubble", "half filigree" and "submerged" glass appeared for the first time on the occasion of the Venice Biennale of 1934. A few years later, at the Biennale and the VI Triennale of Milan, Venini exhibited its lattimi and murrine romane pieces, which were born from a joint idea between Scarpa and Paolo Venini.
In 1938 Scarpa increased production, diversifying the vases from "objects of use" to sculptural works of art. In the same year he laid the foundation for the famous "woven" glass collection, exhibited the following year. In the subsequent years, Scarpa–Venini continued to exhibit at the Biennale and in various other shows their the "black and red lacquers," the granulari and the incisi, produced in limited series, and the "Chinese," which was inspired by Asian porcelain.
Scarpa's creations for Venini garnered an international response and were a great success, leaving forever an indelible mark on the history of glassmaking. The last Biennale in which Carlo Scarpa participated as artistic director of Venini was in 1942. He left the company five years later.
The time that Scarpa spent in the most important glass factory in Murano would attach a great artistic legacy to the company. His techniques and styles were resumed in the postwar period under the guidance of Tobia Venini, Paolo's son. In the 1950s, after the departure of Scarpa, Fulvio Bianconi was the new visionary at the Biennials with Venini.
On 1stDibs, vintage Carlo Scarpa glass and lighting are for sale, including decorative objects, tables, chandeliers and more.
(Biography provided by Ophir Gallery Inc.)
Carlo Scarpa Set of Four 1934 765 in Wood with Leather Cushion by Bernini 1977
By Carlo Scarpa, Bernini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of four 1934 756 chairs in walnut wood and cushions in leather, designed by Carlo Scarpa and produced by Bernini in the 1970s. Initially designed for Scarpa’s own Venetian house...
Leather, Wood
21st Century Murrine Opache Carlo Scarpa Plate in Black/Coral by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Countless Black and Coral pieces are woven together to form a symmetric yet imperfect pattern on slanted surfaces. VENINI’s glass grinding technique creates a typical shading effect ...
Glass
Extending Dinning Table by Cardin, Italy, circa 1950
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brussels, BE
Extending dinning table by Cardin, Italy, circa 1950.
Wood
Venini Murrine Romane 520.21 design Carlo Scarpa - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Murrine Romane 520.21 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano...
Glass
Venini Murrine Opache 488.10 Murano Glass Centerpiece Carlo Scarpa - Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Opaque Murrine 488.10 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this unique Murano...
Glass
Venini Murrine Opache 488.11 Murano Glass Centerpiece table Carlo Scarpa Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Opaque Murrine 488.11 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this unique Murano...
Glass
Venini Murrine Romane 520.22 Carlo Scarpa - Glass Vase Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Murrine Romane 520.22 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano...
Glass
Venini Battuto Bicolor 785.00 Verdognolo/Rosso Glass Vase Carlo Scarpa Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Carlo Scarpa Model: Wrought Two-Tone 785.00 Collection: Two-tone wrought Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this unique Murano glass object...
Glass
Venini Battuto a Nido d'Ape 524.26 Pg. Murano Glass Vase Carlo Scarpa - Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Carlo Scarpa Model: Honeycomb Wrought 524.26 Collection: Honeycomb Wrought Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glass vase...
Glass
21st Century Serpente Glass Sculpture in Black/Coral by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in murano, IT
Ancient murrine form the pattern of a snake coiling up on glass. Conceived, redesigned and skilfully reinterpreted with rich contrasting colours, they reflect the highest craftsmansh...
Glass
21st Century Carlo Scarpa 99.37 Large Table Lamp in Crystal Blown Glass
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
An innovative designer with a passion for experimentation, Carlo Scarpa turned this work into the utmost expression of his artistic and artisanal knowledge. The linearity of glass me...
Blown Glass
Venini floor lamp model n° 529 attributed to Carlo Scarpa, 1942
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Renens, CH
Venini floor lamp model n° 529 attributed to Carlo Scarpa, 1942 Rare Model n° 529 floor lamp often attributed to Carlo Scarpa for Venini 1942. A masterpiece of early 1940's Veneti...
Brass
21st Century Battuto Bicolore Glass Vase in Light Green/Red by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
The liveliness of sea bubbles meets the murmur of bright red sand waves on the surface of this work. The raw power of the elements enclosed in an archaic shape recalling a small tali...
Blown Glass
21st Century Carlo Scarpa 99.37 16-Light Chandeliers in Crystal
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
An innovative designer with a passion for experimentation, Carlo Scarpa turned this work into the utmost expression of his artistic and artisanal knowledge. The linearity of glass me...
Glass
21st Century Murrine Opache Centerpiece in Black/Coral by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Countless black and coral pieces are woven together to form a symmetric yet imperfect pattern on slanted surfaces. VENINI’s glass grinding technique creates a typical shading effect ...
Glass
$6,177Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Venini Sconces Italy 1990
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in PARIS, FR
Very impressive pair of sconces by Venini circa 1990 Designed by Carlo scarpa circa 1940.
Glass
21st Century, Serpente Glass Sculpture in Black / Milk-White / Turquoise
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in murano, IT
Ancient murrine form the pattern of a snake coiling up on glass. Conceived, redesigned and skilfully reinterpreted with rich contrasting colours, they reflect the highest craftsmansh...
Glass
21st Century Battuto A Nido D'ape Vase in Horizon by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Inspired by nature and designed by Carlo Scarpa, it turns into Battuto a Nido D'Ape only in the hands of master glassmakers, who skilfully shape glass into a honeycomb pattern using ...
Glass
21st Century Carlo Scarpa 99.37 3-Light Wall Sconce in Crystal by Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
An innovative designer with a passion for experimentation, Carlo Scarpa turned this work into the utmost expression of his artistic and artisanal knowledge. The linearity of glass me...
Glass
21st Century Carlo Scarpa 99.37, 12-Light Chandeliers in Crystal
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
An innovative designer with a passion for experimentation, Carlo Scarpa turned this work into the utmost expression of his artistic and artisanal knowledge. The linearity of glass me...
Glass
21st Century Murrine Opache Bowl in Black/Coral by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in murano, IT
Countless Black and Coral pieces are woven together to form a symmetric yet imperfect pattern on slanted surfaces. VENINI’s glass grinding technique creates a typical shading effect ...
Glass
21st Century Murrine Romane Glass Bowl in Multicolour by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in murano, IT
In these murrineworks, purity of form and essential geometry blend together to create rare, precious and timeless objects, just like the art of ancient Rome. In his quest for new gla...
Glass
21st Century Carlo Scarpa 99.37 8-Light Chandeliers in Crystal
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
An innovative designer with a passion for experimentation, Carlo Scarpa turned this work into the utmost expression of his artistic and artisanal knowledge. The linearity of glass me...
Glass
$3,700 / item
'Poliedri' Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Poliedri' Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, 1958-1960 A rare and historically significant wall sconce by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, the Poliedri modules - individual hand-bl...
Steel
Venini Battuto a Nido d'Ape 524.26 Pesca Murano Glass Vase Carlo Scarpa /Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Design: Carlo Scarpa Model: Honeycomb Wrought 524.26 Collection: Honeycomb Wrought Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glass vase...
Glass