Murano Italian glass Madonna figurine. This impressive modernist sculpted Murano glass figure is modelled in robes with clasped hands and halo. The subtly tinted figure has an unusual textured corroso finish which gives depth, texture and a striking gradient of tone.

Corroso (corroded) is a type of finish to glass whereby the surface is irregular to the touch. Technically, an “acid process” causes corrosion of the glass: the result is the creation of a rough layer on the surface. This technique was introduced by the French at the beginning of the 20th century and found its first applications in Murano in the mid 1930s. It was applied to vases and figures designed by Flavio Poli for the Seguso Vetri d’Arte firm and the series of “corrosi” wares designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini & Co.