Dino Martens (1894 – 1970): Vases and Artworks

Dino Martens was a renowned and important Italian painter and designer of the 20th century, celebrated for his exceptional glasswork. His reputation was especially founded on using polychromatic effects, which he skillfully combined with asymmetrical forms. The glass artworks of this artist captivate not only with their vibrant colors but also impress with his mastery of demanding techniques such as embedding glass threads. His legacy as a master glass designer remains influential, and especially Dino Martens Vases continue to be celebrated and studied for their artistic and technical excellence.

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[Dino Martens] was artistic (not to say Bohemian), meticulous, unwilling to compromise, and gifted with a rich imagination…
Marc Heiremans, Expert in Murano glass

From Paint to Glass: The Artistic Evolution of Dino Martens

"Dino" Martens was born in Venice, Italy on October 24, 1894. He was renowned as both a glass designer and a painter. From 1908 to 1912, he attended the "Accademia di Belle Arti" in Venice, where he studied under prominent artists Ettore Tito and Umberto Martina. Initially, Martens gained recognition for his paintings, which were on display from as early as 1911 and showcased at the prestigious Venice Biennale from 1924 to 1930. However, it was his later transition into glass artistry that marked a significant turning point in his career.

Martens' transformation from painter to glass artist occurred during his service in the Italian military during World War I, particularly in Africa. The experiences he garnered during the war profoundly influenced his artistic direction and his work. Each series of vases, bowls and sculptures Dino Martens produced throughout the 1950s seemed to explode with an infinite spectrum of variations and possibilities.

Upon his return to Venice in 1939, Martens was appointed as the artistic director of Aureliano Toso, a prominent glass factory. This role would prove to be pivotal in his career.

The Artistic Brilliance of Dino Martens' Aureliano Toso Glassworks

From 1946 to 1960, Martens designed a plethora of innovative glass pieces for Aureliano Toso. His creations were characterized by their vibrant colors, dynamic forms, and intricate patterns, often incorporating traditional Murano techniques with modern aesthetics. These works garnered widespread acclaim, were prominently featured in numerous exhibitions and international biennales, and became synonymous with Murano glass style of the 1950s. The Venice Biennale, in particular, showcased his glass designs, elevating his reputation in the art world.

During this prolific period, Dino Martens' focus shifted almost entirely to glass design, especially vases, and his reputation as a painter diminished. His glass objects, however, were celebrated for their artistic brilliance and technical mastery. His contributions to the field of glass design were significant, influencing both contemporary and future generations of glass artists.

Dino Martens vase "Saragossa"

Dino Martens Vase for Aureliano Toso "Saragossa", 1954, Very rare

Dimensions: H: 8,2 in L: 10,8 in

Dino Martens vase „Gomitolo“

Dino Martens vase "Gomitolo“ for Aureliano Toso, circa 1954, extremely rare

Dimensions: H: 12,7 in

Dino Martens glass vase bowl

Dino Martens "Glass Vase Bowl" for Auriliano Toso, 1954

Dimensions: H: 7 in (excellent condition)

Dino Martens Vase Icantesimo

Dino Martens Vase "Icantesimo", 1954

Dimensions: H: 13,7 in

Dino Martens Vase Eldorado

Dino Martens Vase "Eldorado pulcheria", 1953

Dimensions: H: 14,1 in (perfect condition)

Find more of Martens Pieces for Aureliano Toso

Dino Martens Oriente Vases – A Symphony of Colors

The term “Oriente” encompasses two distinct glass styles. The earlier variant, created by Ercole Barovier in 1940, features a "plaid" design formed by flat colored rods laid upon a clear, transparent background, further embellished with an abundance of silver leaf.

Eleven years later, Dino Martens unveiled the second iteration: a series of glass vases, also produced at the Aureliano Toso glassworks. These vessels boast asymmetrical types of shapes and a rich tapestry of colors achieved through the use of irregular patches of vibrant glass pastes (yellow, red, blue, black, etc.), aventurine, fragments of zanfirico rods, and the artist's signature "flower" motif – a circle formed by spokes of black and lattimo rods.

Dino Martens Oriente vase from 1954

Dino Martens vase from "Oriente" series, 1954

Dimensions: H: 7,4 in (best condition)

Dino Martens Oriente vase from 1959 for Toso

Dino Martens "Oriente" vase 1950 for Aureliano Toso

Dimensions: H: 10,2 in (very good condition)

While Dino Martens Oriente series of vases does possess an undeniable startling impact, even Martens’ most audacious creations were carefully meticulously planned in sketches. To many of these, he also assigned evocative titles such as Nabucco, Ati and Dialettica.

The Oriente series in particular can be seen as the culmination of Martens’ vision. It has undoubtedly achieved great public recognition, becoming, alongside Venini & C.'s "pezzati" creations, one of the defining emblems of Murano glass art in the 1950s.

Oriente Vases in the shop

A Creative Legacy: Martens' Final Years in Art

In 1959, Martens retired as the artistic director of Aureliano Toso but continued to produce designs for the workshop until 1963. Despite his retirement, his passion for creativity did not wane. In his final years, he returned to his roots in painting, dedicating himself to this craft until his death. Dino Martens passed away in September 1970 in Venice.

Despite the initial overshadowing of his painting career, Martens' contributions to both painting and glass art have cemented his place in the annals of art history.

Discover Dino Martens pieces at 1000 Objekte

Peter Grünbaum presents a diverse array of glass pieces within his collection. Are you interested in buying a Murano glass vase, bowl, bottle, or another creation by the renowned artist Dino Martens? Find your preferred item from our selection here.

Should you have any questions about our collection or seek a scarce vase to enhance your collection, please feel free to contact us. To delve further into the world of glass artistry, visit our Online Shop for Glass Art & More.

My current collection comprises 2000 different vases vases includes 200 very rare museumpieces. If you have any questions or would like to view my collection in Zurich, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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