***THIS ITEM IS NOW SOLD***
Emanuele Luzzati
Stairtower Ceramic Ensemble
Set N

Items from SS STELLA SOLARIS (ex CAMBODGE)

Measurements: 86 Inches Tall by 39 Inches Wide
Ivory Colored Ceramics With Accents of Gold, Red, Turquoise and Copper
26 pieces
(Some Damaged)
Price: ***THIS ITEM IS SOLD***

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

The ensemble, as seen on board SS STELLA SOLARIS, courtesy of Paolo Piccione.

The lovely STELLA SOLARIS departing Piraeus in 1997. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1997.

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, pieces N7, N8, N10, N12 and 15(together), N16, N17, and N21. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

Keeping in mind that these sets are supposedly all based on tales from Homer's Odyssey and Iliad, this one leaves me stumped. In the upper left, a huge angel, goddess, or harpie is causing a great commotion. Or is she the Sphinx demanding a riddle be solved? Whatever she is, the subjects in her realm are clearly uncomfortable. And then there is a row of priests or royal figures in various interplay just below. On the bottom, ghostlike figures make a diagonal descent, offering alms (or a head?) to the man in the lower right corner. Wonderful, whatever it all means. These ensembles have many secrets to reveal.

The STELLA SOLARIS five forward stairtower landings each sported two of these sets, one in either corner, making a total of ten in all, beautifully lit from recesses in the paneling. Of these ten magnificent ensembles, seven are currently available. In this group, there are two with missing bits of background, one key figure is missing a face, and four that are missing entirely (two of these are just background/borders). Even with the slight blemishes, 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.

From top to bottom, N22, N23, N24, N26, N27, N29, and N30. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

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 26 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: Five unnumbered pieces. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

Gotta include the bio in case some are entering via this page, so please skip down if you have read it already. 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, a selection of damaged pieces: N13, N14, N20, and an unnumbered piece. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2005.

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