Emanuele Luzzati
Stairtower Ceramic Ensemble
Set C

Items from SS STELLA SOLARIS (ex CAMBODGE)

Measurements: Approximately 90 Inches Tall by 40 Inches Wide
Ivory Colored Ceramics With Accents of Gold, Red, Turquoise and Copper
37 pieces
(Some With Slight Damage)
Price: Please Contact Peter Knego For Details

Top of page, above, the gathering from top and bottom perspectives, respectively. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

The ceramic ensemble as seen on board STELLA SOLARIS from the shipyard photographs. Courtesy of Paolo Piccione. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

These ceramic ensembles are from the STELLA SOLARIS five forward stairtower landings. In either corner, there was a set, ten in all, beautifully lit from recesses in the paneling. The works, like most of the Luzzati art on the ship, represent Greek mythological scenes, mainly from The Odyssey and Iliad. Of these ten magnificent ensembles, seven are currently available. In this set, there are two missing pieces (one very small one to the left of the sun toward the top and a larger one near the center bottom) and two pieces that are missing portions (noteably the one on the left toward the center, which is missing part of the background on the left edge of the piece). This is yet another spectacular ensemble in Luzzati's inimitable style, which has been compared to, among other great masters, Picasso and Modigliani by his cadre of admirers.

A random selection of the nine unnumbered pieces from this ensemble work. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

It would appear that the horsedrawn figure at the top of the piece with with a halo of rays above a sun is none other than Apollo, but I haven't figured out in what context he rides and what the rest of the compelling story is regarding all the other figures in the work. The pieces, themselves, were created in relatively complex shapes, so please keep that in mind when viewing them, as it may appear that many of the intact ones are missing elements, that, indeed, they are not. Each of the 37 components is a work of art unto itself. There is a light patina of color on some. You will see traces of red, gold, copper, and even some turquoise if you look closely at each image.

From top to bottom: C1, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C9, C10, and C11. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

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.

From top to bottom: C12, C13, C14, C15, C17, C20, C23, C24, and C26. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

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.

From top to bottom, a selection of pieces: C27, C29, C30, C31, C33, C34, C35, C39. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

Mr. Luzzatis ceramics, bas-reliefs, and sculptures are amongst his most sought after creations