Marie-Thérèse Walter (Glass Sculpture)
Sculpture, studio glass • Likely Egidio Costantini's Fucina degli Angeli (Venice), based on designs by Pablo Picasso.
Style & Movement
Picasso-inspired Surrealist/Cubist synthesis, associated with the mid-century Venetian glass movement.
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown polychrome glass (Murano style), likely executed using the massello technique and applied hot-glass elements.
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century (Modern era)
Dimensions & Format
Vertical bust on pedestal; estimated height 35-45 cm.
Subject Description
A stylized bust of Marie-Thérèse Walter, Picasso's muse, characterized by the signature frontal/profile double view, wearing a decorative blue hat with orange and green accents and a knotted blue scarf.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; based on the high-gloss finish and clarity of the glass, the piece appears well-maintained without visible chips or internal fractures.
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $35,000 USD (depending on presence of etched signatures or workshop stamps)
Auction Estimate
$12,000 - $25,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely originated from a Murano workshop (specifically Fucina degli Angeli) as part of the collaboration between Picasso and Egidio Costantini; typically sold through specialized art glass galleries or high-end auctions.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the significant 20th-century intersection of fine art and craft, where Cubist flattened perspectives are translated into the three-dimensional, translucent medium of glass.
Notable Features
Features a complex integration of opaque and translucent glass colors; the distinct facial profile is achieved through internal glass layering and external sculpting while the glass is molten.
Condition Issues
None visible; potential for minor surface scratches or base wear consistent with age and handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Place in a climate-controlled environment away from direct vibration; clean only with microfiber cloth or archival glass solutions; display on a secure, stable pedestal with UV-filtered spot lighting.