
Description
Napoleone Martinuzzi for Venini red Cactus Succulent sculpture, Signed, 1929.
Exceedingly rare example of a signed Venini succulent by Matinuzzi. Museum-worthy masterwork by Martinuzzi during his groundbreaking tenure as artistic director of Venini. Large-scale. Original brass frame.
This stunning pulegoso glass and gold leaf "pianta grassa" is in very good antique condition with no apparent signs of repair. Acid etched Venini signature is at bottom. Lovely contrasting white glass rim on pot. Playful use of co lot with the green pot and red cactus. Interesting to see this "pop" use of color in figurative sculpture at this early date (1920's).
The signature is important in terms of dating the piece as an extremely early, "˜Venini era' succulent. Martinuzzi's first succulent sculptures date to 1929 and he left Venini in 1931. Therefore, this piece has to have been made in late 1929 or 1930. The vast majority of Mattinuzzi succulents were sculpted after his tenure at Venini and are either unsigned (1931-1950s) or signed "˜Martinuzzi' (1960s-1970s).
Literature:
Model 2469 in Venini catalogue as seen in Napoleone Martinuzzi Venini 1925-1931 by Marino Barovier, page 275.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: A few tiny chips and repairs to glass.
Dimensions:
Height: 33 in.
Width: 17 in.
Depth: 6 in.
Category: Sculpture
Origin: Italy
Materials: Art Glass, Blown Glass, Brass, Murano Glass
Creator: Brand: Venini; Artist: Napoleone Martinuzzi
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $99.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Brooklyn, NY
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Exceedingly rare example of a signed Venini succulent by Matinuzzi. Museum-worthy masterwork by Martinuzzi during his groundbreaking tenure as artistic director of Venini. Large-scale. Original brass frame.
This stunning pulegoso glass and gold leaf "pianta grassa" is in very good antique condition with no apparent signs of repair. Acid etched Venini signature is at bottom. Lovely contrasting white glass rim on pot. Playful use of co lot with the green pot and red cactus. Interesting to see this "pop" use of color in figurative sculpture at this early date (1920's).
The signature is important in terms of dating the piece as an extremely early, "˜Venini era' succulent. Martinuzzi's first succulent sculptures date to 1929 and he left Venini in 1931. Therefore, this piece has to have been made in late 1929 or 1930. The vast majority of Mattinuzzi succulents were sculpted after his tenure at Venini and are either unsigned (1931-1950s) or signed "˜Martinuzzi' (1960s-1970s).
Literature:
Model 2469 in Venini catalogue as seen in Napoleone Martinuzzi Venini 1925-1931 by Marino Barovier, page 275.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: A few tiny chips and repairs to glass.
Dimensions:
Height: 33 in.
Width: 17 in.
Depth: 6 in.
Category: Sculpture
Origin: Italy
Materials: Art Glass, Blown Glass, Brass, Murano Glass
Creator: Brand: Venini; Artist: Napoleone Martinuzzi
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; A few tiny chips and repairs to glass.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Napoleone Martinuzzi for Venini Red Cactus Succulent Sculpture, Signed, 1929
Estimate $10,760-$32,280
Starting Price
$7,500
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Heritage & Home: Antiques & Design Classics 2
May 15, 2026 7:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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