917 - Helmet-shaped object based on an antique model

Helmet-shaped object based on an antique model Helmet-shaped object based on an antique model by Pino Signoretto, Sculture Artistiche Murano (S.A.M.), Murano, c. 1974. Colorless glass. Free-form helmet with applied, richly worked feather and volute decoration, as well as a central medallion. Partially covered with finely torn gold leaf that has melted, ground, and polished. Metal stand. Minimally chipped. H. 37.5 cm. Pino Signoretto worked for various Murano glassworks in the early 1970s, including Industrie Riunite Mazzega. A significant turning point occurred at the end of 1973, when Seguso Vetri d’Arte di Angelo Seguso & C. ceased production. As early as January 1974, a new company, Sculture Artistiche Murano (S.A.M.), was established, operating out of Seguso’s former production facilities. Signoretto moved from Mazzega to S.A.M., where he assumed the position of senior maestro. In November 1975, the company resumed operations under the name Seguso Vetri d’Arte. Signoretto continued to work for various Murano glassworks until 1977 and opened his own studio in 1978. The creation of these helmets around 1973–74 thus falls squarely within this brief and art-historically significant transitional phase between his work for Mazzega and his work for S.A.M.