MARIUS-ERNEST SABINO

During the 1920s and 1930s, the world of glass artisans was rich with talent, featuring renowned names like René Lalique, Etling, Hunebelle, D'Avesn, Verlys, and Jobling. Among these, Marius-Ernest Sabino emerged as one of the most prolific and influential figures, particularly known for his expertise in lighting.

Marius-Ernest Sabino, born on September 9, 1878, in Acireale, Sicily, moved to France at the age of four. In Paris, he studied woodcarving, following his father's footsteps, and later attended L'Ecole Nationale des Arts Decoratifs et de Beaux Arts (the National School of Decorative and Fine Arts). Sabino's fascination with the burgeoning technology of electricity led him to replace his initial wooden chandelier models with innovative glass designs that effectively diffused light.

After World War I, Sabino collaborated with a glazier in Romilly-sur-Andelle before establishing his own factory in Noisy-le-Sec, along with large stores in the Marais district of Paris. His expertise in glass relief sculpture garnered significant attention, particularly at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris in 1925, a year that marked the peak of his creative output. Sabino's chandeliers gained immense popularity, aligning perfectly with the light-themed architecture of the era.

Sabino's reputation for creating exquisite decorative lighting led to prestigious commissions, including designing lighting for ocean liners such as the S.S. Ile de France in 1927 and the S.S. Normandie in 1935. His fame continued to grow, and by 1935, he was commissioned to produce all the electric light fittings and chandeliers for the palace of the Shah of Persia. His business expanded internationally, with outlets in Algiers, Oran, Tunis, and Constantinople.

Sabino's lighting creations were notable for their use of crystal iridescent blue, also known as "golden glass" in Britain. He achieved this unique opalescence by adding arsenic, which later extended to shades of purple and yellow. His chandeliers and other lighting pieces were celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship, combining innovative techniques with luxurious aesthetics.

A typical day for Sabino involved instructing his draftsman and sculptor, while the cast glass production was subcontracted. Quality control was stringent at his Noisy-le-Sec plant, ensuring that each piece met his high standards. Variations in the appearance of his signature on different pieces are attributed to the different workers responsible for this task.

The models that achieved the greatest success were those created before 1939, as the German occupation during World War II led to the closure of Sabino's glass plants. During this period, some pieces were cast in metal alloy. After the war, due to illness, Sabino retired, and his artistic and commercial directors continued his work. Although his molds were no longer used, production of his designs continued until 1975, well after his death in 1961 at the age of 83. Pieces bearing his name continued to be made after this period, as his molds were sold to an American company that continues to manufacture in France.

Marius-Ernest Sabino's legacy as a master of Art Deco lighting endures. His innovative use of glass and light, combined with his dedication to craftsmanship, has left an indelible mark on the world of decorative arts. Sabino's creations remain highly sought after by collectors and continue to inspire contemporary designers.