Large Massimo Micheluzzi Iridescent Murano Glass Conch Shell Sculpture C.2000

A rare and highly sculptural conch shell in iridescent Murano glass by the Venetian artist Massimo Micheluzzi.

Signed and dated 2008, the work measures approximately 40.5cm or 16 inches in length. Its elongated organic form develops from a tightly ribbed spiral point into broad, dramatically unfurling lips. These overlapping folds create a strong sense of movement while displaying the remarkable delicacy and fluidity attainable in glass.

The softly opalescent surface changes continually according to the light, moving through pearly white, silver, ice blue, lavender, green and pale gold. Micheluzzi has used iridescence especially effectively here: it does not simply decorate the sculpture but recreates the nacreous luminosity of a natural shell.

Although the form can be read as a sculptural vessel, its scale, asymmetry and fluid silhouette give it the presence of a freestanding work of art. It is particularly striking when viewed from different angles or positioned where changing natural light can animate its surface.

AUTHENTICATION AND PROVENANCE

The piece was authenticated in written correspondence from Massimo Micheluzzi’s Venice studio in March 2017. The studio stated that the iridescent shell was created and signed by Micheluzzi and belonged to an earlier body of work that was no longer in production.

The correspondence describes this earlier output as a limited production of unique art-glass works, developed through Micheluzzi’s continual technical and creative experimentation. A copy can be made available.

ABOUT MASSIMO MICHELUZZI

Massimo Micheluzzi was born in Venice in 1957 and studied art history at Ca’ Foscari University. His formative introduction to glass came during the late 1970s, when he worked as a photographer cataloguing the collection of the celebrated Venini glassworks.

Micheluzzi subsequently developed a distinctive contemporary interpretation of the Murano tradition. His work moves between fluid organic forms, iridescent transparencies, carved surfaces and complex mosaic constructions, combining formidable technical knowledge with an unusually painterly response to colour and light.

The atmosphere of Venice, its lagoon, shifting reflections and historic architecture, is a recurring influence throughout his work. Micheluzzi’s glass has been exhibited internationally and is represented in collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Corning Museum of Glass, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Museo del Vetro in Murano.

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