Alfredo Barbini "Medusa" Murano Glass Pendant Fixture 1960's

With it's simple form and unique appearance, characterized by its all over scavo effect, the Medusa pendant is one of the many highly sought after creations of master glassmaker Alfredo Barbini. Italian for “excavate”, Scavo is the technique that imitates the effects caused on glass by long periods of time buried underground. The dusty patina, typical of the ancient glass found at archeological digs is the result of minerals in within he surface of the glass. Scavo technique reproduces this process during manufacture by dispersing a mixture of nitrates, carbonates, silica and talcum over the surface of the glass. When heated the melting silica and talcum irreversibly adhere to the glass and render it opaque. Further heating causes the decomposition of the nitrates and carbonates, leaving what appears as corrosion on the surface of the glass. When introduced in the early 1950’s and applied to archaic forms of vases and sculptures, the pieces were nearly indistinguishable from those of classical antiquity, excavated after a millennium underground. Applied to simple, more ordinary forms like the Medusa pendant in the 60’s and 70’s the “scavo” technique visually enhanced the work and gave it a distinct abstract-modern quality.

One of a kind. etched signnature and label of Barbini are on the inner side of the glass. Antique bronze finish stem and canopy added by Venfield.

Currently available in our NYC showroom.