Preliminary identification

Murano-Style Sommerso Art Glass Sculpture, 'The Dancing Angel'

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A dynamic, hand-blown glass sculpture featuring fluid, sweeping lines that suggest a celestial or dancing figure. It utilizes the 'sommerso' (submerged) technique to layer vibrant blues, purples, and shimmering…

Story

The island of Murano in Venice has been the world's glassblowing capital since 1291, but it was in the mid-20th century that artists began moving away from functional vases toward 'scultura di vetro'—pure glass sculpture.

Maker / Origin

While this piece appears unsigned, it follows the tradition of great Venetian masters like Seguso or Barbini, who pioneered the use of heavy, multi-layered glass to create abstract forms.

Condition & Value

The glass appears clear with no visible 'sickness' or clouding. There is some light shelf wear on the base, which is expected and helps confirm it isn't a brand-new mass-produced import. Excellent condition generally maintains the value of these decorative pieces.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD