A Five-Piece Ubaldo Vitali Silver Tea and Coffee Service Including Tray, 1985. Marks: ©, U.VITALI, STERLING. 3 x 34 x 15... (Total: 5 )

Description

A Five-Piece Ubaldo Vitali Silver Tea and Coffee Service Including Tray, 1985
Marks: ©, U.VITALI, STERLING
3 x 34 x 15 inches (7.6 x 86.4 x 38.1 cm) (largest, tray)
11562 grams (371.73 troy ounces)
Inscription: NEWARK MUSEUM ANNIVERSARY SET #1

Ubaldo Vitali's Newark Museum Anniversary Set #1
In celebration of the Newark Museum's 75th anniversary in 1984, renowned silversmith and New Jersey local Ubaldo Vitali was commissioned by the museum's curator of Decorative Arts, Ulysses G. Dietz, to create a silver tea set that reflected the museum's forward-looking ethos and Vitali's concept of "functional sculpture.". Vitali was given carte blanche, and the result is the "Newark Museum Anniversary Service," a stunning blend of functionality and artistic expression. Its sleek, fluid curves in silver create an interplay of kinetic reflections, inviting the viewer to circle the set and observe how it changes with each step.
The tea set, completed in 1984, was showcased during the museum's anniversary event. Howard and Eunice Gelb, captivated by the tea and coffee service, later contacted Vitali. "Recently my wife and I visited the Newark Art Museum and were struck by the beautiful coffee service which you designed and produced for the museum.....I would like to discuss the possibility of having you make a similar coffee service for us" wrote Howard H. Gelb to Ubaldo Viali, January 14, 1985. This second set, the current lot, was completed in 1985 and titled the "Newark Museum Anniversary Set #1," as inscribed on the base of the coffee pot. The only significant difference between the two sets is the tray: the original, in the Newark Museum's collection, has a black synthetic bottom, while this later example is made entirely of silver, adding even more reflective surfaces.
The set's maker, Ubaldo Vitali is a fourth-generation silversmith who was born in Rome and received formal training in sculpture and architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts of Rome. It was there that he met his wife, Anita, who was from Newark, which became their home in 1967. In Newark, and later in Maplewood, New Jersey, Vitali built a reputation as a restorer and conservator of "very special silver." His deep understanding of historical construction techniques, deepened through his restoration work, informed his own silver creations, where he skillfully blended historical and modern metalworking methods. His presence is far reaching with designs produced by Tiffany, Steuben Glass, Bulgari Jewelers and Cartier, and commissions ranging from presidential to royal.
Vitali conceptualizes his designs in clay and then plaster, drawing from his innate understanding of how silver's reflective properties will be realized in the finished work. In a March 4, 1984 article in The Sunday Star-Ledger, discussing the tea set Vitali explained "I tried to stick to a classical fluted shape, while giving it a contemporary sculptural appearance ..." inspired by "tents pulled taut by ropes" His approach departs from traditional decoration, using light as his primary tool. "Unlike any other medium, silver has the magical power to absorb and transform its surroundings and through its reflections to re-create subliminal moods."(introduction to his 1990 exhibition at the Contemporary Crafts Gallery of the Newark Museum).
The "Newark Museum Anniversary Set #1" stands as an exemplary piece of contemporary American silver, combining artistic vision with technical skill.



*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.