Monumental Studio Glass Architectural Sculpture with Suspended Sommerso Vase

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“Equilibrium” Monumental Architectural Studio Glass Sculpture with Suspended Sommerso Vase, 101 Inches High, American, Late 20th Century (Circa 1985–1995), in … Read more “Equilibrium” Monumental Architectural Studio Glass Sculpture with Suspended Sommerso Vase, 101 Inches High, American, Late 20th Century (Circa 1985–1995), in the Circle of Mario Badioli and Robert Scherer

A commanding monumental architectural glass sculpture rising over eight feet in height, conceived as a fully realized installation rather than a conventional object. At 101 inches tall, this work transforms space—functioning as a sculptural focal point, architectural divider, and luminous glass composition centered around a suspended sommerso vessel.

Composed of five elements, the sculpture is anchored by a bold, stepped black lacquered plinth supporting a secondary tier and three asymmetrically arranged precision-cut plate glass panels. These thick, beveled panels rise in staggered heights—creating a dynamic interplay of transparency, reflection, and mass. At the heart of the composition, a richly colored blown glass vase—8 inches wide by 7 inches high—is suspended within the structure, appearing to float in space. Executed in deep amethyst over emerald green casing, the vessel demonstrates refined control of sommerso, the classic Venetian layering technique known for its depth, clarity, and optical intensity.

Works of this scale and complexity are exceptionally rare within the American Studio Glass Movement, where most works remain intimate in size. Here, the artist departs from traditional vessel-making to create a multi-component architectural construction—combining blown glass with industrial plate glass and a purpose-built base. The result is closer to installation art than decorative glass, aligning with ambitious, site-oriented works produced for significant interiors in the late 20th century.

This synthesis reflects the evolution of American studio glass following the influence of Pilchuck Glass School, where artists absorbed and reinterpreted centuries-old Venetian glassmaking techniques introduced by masters such as Lino Tagliapietra. Rather than replicating traditional Murano forms, artists expanded into sculptural and architectural expressions—integrating blown elements with constructed frameworks of glass, metal, or wood. The present work exemplifies that transition, pairing a Venetian-inspired sommerso vessel with a distinctly American architectural composition.

In this regard, the sculpture operates at the intersection of sculpture, design, and environment, with conceptual affinities to the spatial compositions of Mario Badioli and the constructed studio glass language of Robert Scherer. Unlike purely furnace-formed works, this example embraces a modular, assembled approach—suggesting a commissioned or atelier-driven piece created for a high-design interior, likely within the Palm Beach or Miami milieu of the late 20th century.

Monumental in both scale and intent, this is not simply a work of glass but a spatial composition—designed to anchor a room, define a space, and command attention. A true one-of-a-kind architectural statement, offering collectors and designers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare installation-scale example of late 20th-century studio glass.

Dimensions:
Overall Height: 101 inches
Base: 52” W x 28” D
Second Tier: 40” W x 18” D
Front Panel: 84” H x 43” W
Middle Panel: 59” H x 22” W
Rear Panel: 75” H x 36” W
Vase: 8” W x 7” H See less