Mid-Century Modern Sculpture with 24-karat Yellow Gold Flecks by Licio Zanetti
Mid-Century Modern Sculpture with 24-karat Yellow Gold Flecks by Licio Zanetti
This elegant Mid-Century Modern sculpture was realized by the esteemed designer Licio Zanetti in Murano, circa 1960. It offers a stylized interpretation of a fish- its mouth an abstracted point, its eyes a circular negative space and its tail two elongated spear like points. 24-karat gold flecks are embedded throughout the fish's body, as it sits atop an orbital base in translucent Murano glass with prominently sized bubbles. Full of verve and élan, this piece embodies what discerning collectors of first rate Italian Mid-Century Modern design objects absolutely adore. Made by Zanetti- one of the era's premiere artisans- the quality of this piece is evident in every detail. It would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. It is in excellent vintage condition and signed on the base "Licio Zanetti."
Italy, circa 1960
Dimensions:
Height: 16 in. (40.64 cm) x Width: 14 in. (35.56 cm) x Depth: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Creator: Licio Zanetti (Artist)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Gold, Murano Glass
Place of Origin: Italy
Period: 1960-1969
Date of Manufacture: circa 1960
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793417732141
LICIO ZANETTI
Licio Zanetti, born in 1937 in Venice, Italy, has become a renowned figure in the world of Murano glass, celebrated for his innovative and masterful glass sculptures. Under the guidance of his father, Oscar Zanetti, a master glassmaker, Licio honed his craft from a young age. Together, they founded Zanetti Vetreria Artistica in 1956, a studio that quickly gained prestige for the artistic quality of Licio’s sculptures, placing it among the most esteemed on Murano Island.
The studio is known for its distinctive approach, combining age-old Murano glass techniques with new methods developed in-house, which allowed for creative expressions that were both traditional and innovative. Licio's work often draws inspiration from naturalistic themes, reflecting his deep appreciation for the flora and fauna of the Venetian Lagoon. His pieces, whether blown or solid glass, are meticulously crafted by hand, showcasing the mastery of Murano’s glassmaking traditions.
In 1989, Licio stepped down, passing the leadership to his son, Oscar, who had been an integral part of the studio since his youth. From Licio, Oscar inherited not only artistic talent but also a passion for naturalistic subjects, which he continues to explore through vibrant collections that celebrate the natural world.
Licio's passion extended beyond traditional motifs; he was particularly fond of designing fish sculptures, often sketching ideas on the spot with a pencil in hand. His unique ability to simultaneously conceive a design and visualize its execution in the furnace set him apart from his contemporaries. This deep connection between design and craft allowed him to bring his imaginative concepts to life with fluidity and precision.
Today, the legacy of Licio Zanetti continues under Oscar's leadership, as Zanetti Vetreria Artistica remains a beacon of innovation and artistry in the Murano glass community. The studio's works are sought after by collectors and admired in public and private collections worldwide, celebrated for their exquisite beauty and unique design aesthetic that Licio Zanetti so masterfully established.
