Art Deco Medusa Piccola Wall Sconces from Ercole Barovier, 1940, Set of 2

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An extraordinary and exceptionally rare pair of “Medusa Piccola” wall sconces, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in … Read more An extraordinary and exceptionally rare pair of “Medusa Piccola” wall sconces, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in Murano, circa 1940. This smaller version of the celebrated “Medusa” model retains all the sculptural force and poetic character of the larger format while presenting a more compact, intimate scale. Conceived during one of the most experimental periods in Ercole Barovier’s career, the design perfectly reflects his pioneering research into organically shaped glass, where traditional Murano craftsmanship was transformed into true three-dimensional sculpture. The name “Medusa” evokes marine life, fluid movement and the soft expansion of underwater forms. Each diffuser appears to grow upward from the brass support like a translucent aquatic flower, with a flared, irregular rim and a surface animated by applied glass droplets, elongated flames and softly modelled reliefs. Entirely hand-blown in opalescent Murano glass, the shades display a delicate pale anise tone enriched by subtle iridescent reflections. Depending on the light and viewing angle, the surface reveals nuances of pearl, pale lavender, icy blue, soft green and warm ivory. The glass has a remarkable sense of depth. The thicker lower section is sculpted with layered, leaf-like applications, while the upper body opens into a broad, undulating corolla. Numerous applied droplets rise across the surface, appearing almost suspended in motion. These details catch and refract the light, producing a soft, atmospheric glow while accentuating the sculptural character of the diffusers. Each glass was shaped entirely by hand while still incandescent. No two sconces are identical. One diffuser opens slightly wider, while the other presents a more vertical and compact profile. The arrangement, dimensions and direction of the applied droplets also vary subtly from one piece to the other. These differences are not defects, but rather the unmistakable evidence of authentic Murano craftsmanship and the unique intervention of the master glassmaker. The “Medusa Piccola” version is distinguished not only by its reduced dimensions but also by its specific architectural mounting. Unlike the larger model, these sconces feature compact, strongly geometric brass supports composed of a rectangular wall plate and a projecting trapezoidal body. The restrained geometry of the mounting creates a beautiful contrast with the spontaneous, organic movement of the glass. The warm brass has developed a deep and nuanced natural patina over time, with variations of bronze, tobacco and golden brown that perfectly complement the cool opalescence of the Murano diffusers. When illuminated, the light remains partially visible through the translucent glass and creates a warm, diffused glow. The irregular rim allows light to escape upward, while the sculpted surface projects delicate reflections and shadows onto the surrounding wall. Even when unlit, the sconces retain a powerful decorative presence due to the changing iridescence and fluidity of the glass. The pair is preserved in excellent vintage condition. The Murano glass is free from cracks and restorations, with only the minute bubbles, slight asymmetries, surface variations and handcrafted irregularities naturally associated with entirely hand-blown production. The brass mounts retain their beautiful original patina and show minor signs of age consistent with their history. The sconces have been professionally rewired for immediate use in the United States and are fitted with standard Edison E12 sockets. An exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire the smaller and less frequently encountered version of one of Ercole Barovier’s most poetic lighting designs. The “Medusa Piccola” sconces stand at the intersection of functional lighting, Art Deco sculpture and twentieth-century Venetian glassmaking. Dimensions Height: 19.5 cm (7.68 in.) Width: 19 cm (7.48 in.) Depth: 18 cm (7.09 in.) This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution,
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less