***THIS ITEM IS NOW SOLD***
"The Minotaur" Gold Leaf Painting By Emanuele Luzzati

Items from MV STELLA OCEANIS (ex APHRODITE)

Five panels of "The Minotaur" reassembled in Moorpark to show composition. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright Peter Knego 2004

***THIS ITEM IS NOW SOLD***
Measurements: Each Panel is 78.75 by 39.5 Inches
Entire Ensemble is 6.56 Feet Tall by 19.75 Feet Wide
Multimedia Painting in Gold Leaf
Price: Please contact Peter Knego or Pegaso International Gallery for details

A well known brochure image of the Minos Lounge, showing "The Minotaur" as it appeared on the STELLA OCEANIS. Peter Knego collection.

Here is the encapsulated Luzzati biography just in case this is your "entry point" on the site. 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 currently lives in Genoa where there is a gallery and museum dedicated to his works.

Each of the six panels, as seen from left to right. Peter Knego collection.

Sun Line's MV STELLA OCEANIS was 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".  STELLA OCEANIS raised the standards of the typical Greek cruise ship when she entered service for Sun Line in 1967.  Although small and yacht-like, she had large airy public rooms, a wonderful lido, and artwork by Luzzati depicting ancient Greek and Minoan life and legend.

"The Minotaur" on display at Pegaso International. Photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2005

This particular panel suffered some damage during the removal and shipping process. A section of the resin-like coating on the fifth panel was lost, but fortunately, it did not affect the composition. The damage was effectively repaired by the good people at the renowned Pegaso International gallery in Los Angeles and is currently being displayed there. To see this magnificent creation in person is the only way to do it justice, so please contact Pegaso International at: 310-659-8159 for details.   

A number of details extracted from this amazing painting. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

"The Minotaur" was located on the aft bulkhead of the STELLA OCEANIS' Minos Lounge. In gold leaf with other media (paint, paper, pastel), it depicts the arrival of Theseus and his warriors, who scale an abstract Labrynth. At the top is Theseus doing battle with The Minotaur, while at the far end of the piece, King Minos looks on as Ariadne, his fair daughter, unravels the twine that Theseus must follow in order to return from the Labrynth's maze alive.  This and "Chariots" are among Luzzati's most celebrated shipboard paintings.