"Chariots" on the STELLA SOLARIS in 2001. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001
Emanuele Luzzati was born in Genoa in 1921. He studied at L'Ecôle Des Belles Artes in Lausanne, Switzerland, obtaining his diploma in 1944. His artististry would span a wide gamut of media in the ensuing decades from ceramics, painting, sculpture, children's books, and even animated film features (his collaborations with Guilio Gianni received two Oscar nominations). Luzzati was a first choice among a distinguished list of artists whose work would be displayed on the Italian ships of state. He created ceramic panels, paintings, tapestries, and sculpture for the most famous designers of the day, from Gio Ponti to Gustavo Pulitzer Finale and Nino Zoncada. The ships which carried his work include: CONTE BIANCAMANO, CONTE GRANDE, ANDREA DORIA, FEDERICO C, HOMERIC (Home Lines), GRIPSHOLM (1957), VICTORIA (Incres), EUGENIO C, OCEANIC (Home Lines), LEONARDO DA VINCI, STELLA OCEANIS, AUSONIA (Adriatica), STELLA SOLARIS, and scores of others. Mr. Luzzati lived in Genoa, where there is a gallery and museum dedicated to his works, until his passing in early 2007.
Two well known Sun Line brochure ../images depicting "Chariots". Peter Knego collection.
Sun Line's SS STELLA SOLARIS was the final ship designed by Nino Zoncada, the underrated longtime collaborator of Gio Ponti. Zoncada's ships were among the most beautifully decorated examples of their era. Whether it be the dining room staircase of the refitted CONTE GRANDE, the elliptical Ambra Lounge on the EUGENIO C, or the plushly modern OCEANIC, his work was elegant, understated, chic, and "homey". No exception to the high standards of Zoncada, STELLA SOLARIS was among the most popular cruise ships of her time. She boasted spacious cabins, large airy public rooms with high ceilings, and artwork by Luzzati depicting ancient Greek and Minoan life and legend.
Each of the six panels shown separately. Photos by Mike Masino, copyright Peter Knego 2004
"Chariots" was located on the forward bulkhead of the dining room as a backdrop for the captain's table. Without a doubt, it is one of Luzzati's masterpieces. In it, Etruscan warriors wage battle from the backs of sea serpents, giant piranahs, and swimming horses. A golden sun, as seen from beneath the ocean's surface, is a key focal point. In different lighting, it takes on new dimensions and was surely singed in the memories of tens of thousands of loyal Sun Line passengers during the thirty one year career of the STELLA SOLARIS. Nary a Sun Line brochure was published without featuring at least a portion of it. It is silver leaf (with gold tinting)/multi media and in six panels, each measuring 102 by 50 inches for a total length of 26 feet. There is some crazing of the resin coating and some very minor chips in the corners of a panel or two that do not affect the subject.
Luzzati's signature in the far left corner of the painting. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright Peter Knego 2004.
On the move again, "Chariots" leaves Moorpark for refurbishing and display. Photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
August 22, 2008 update: "Chariots" has been consigned to Off The Wall Antiques, 7325 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323-930-1185) and will be among their items featured at the SF20 Modernishm Show in San Francisco between September 10 and September 14, 2008.
