Dale Chihuly Original Signed Charcoal Venetian Drawing 89/1479

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Venetian Drawing 89/1479
Sheet Size: 29.5" × 21.25"
Medium: Original Charcoal on Paper
Year: c. 1990-2000
Inscription: Signed "Chihuly" on bottom front
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Provenance: Purchased from Halcyon Gallery, London

Dale Chihuly's "Venetian Drawing 89/1479" (c. 1990–2000) is an original charcoal on paper that provides a rare and intimate view into the artist's design process. The drawing emphasizes Chihuly's mastery of line, gesture, and form, capturing the foundational stage of his Venetian-inspired glass designs. Surrounding the central composition are numerous annotations and notes, reflecting the artist's meticulous attention to detail as he planned the extravagant, sweeping, and ornate leaves that would characterize the final glass sculptures.

The drawing is remarkable for the sense of depth and movement conveyed through charcoal, demonstrating Chihuly's ability to translate three-dimensional ideas onto a two-dimensional surface. Rendered in a deep moody palette of dark violet, deep rust, and black, the work is also filled with reference notes regarding how the final glass sculpture should look. These details provide insight into Chihuly's process of conceptualizing the vibrant, fluid forms that would later be realized in glass, offering collectors and scholars an opportunity to study the evolution from drawing to installation.

Provenance is an important element of this work, as it was purchased directly from the Halcyon Gallery in London, a leading institution representing Chihuly's oeuvre. This acquisition ensures authenticity and provides a documented history of the piece. The drawing is signed by the artist on the lower front and accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity.

Measuring 29.5" × 21.25", "Venetian Drawing 89/1479" stands as a testament to Chihuly's creative process, illustrating the moment where ideas take shape on paper. This work captures the artist at the center of his practice, directing design and exploring the intricate forms, textures, and visual energy that would come to define his celebrated glass masterpieces.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly (b. 1941, Tacoma, Washington) is an acclaimed American glass artist known for his bold, expressive sculptures and immersive installations. Combining technical expertise with artistic innovation, Chihuly has elevated the medium of blown glass to a central position in contemporary art.

After studying interior design and fine arts at the University of Washington, Chihuly earned his MFA at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he co-founded the glass program. His early exposure to international art movements and techniques profoundly influenced his experimental approach to glass, emphasizing vibrant color, fluid movement, and large-scale sculptural forms.

Chihuly is best known for his elaborate chandeliers, Persian and seaform series, and dynamic garden installations. These works transform architectural spaces with light, color, and form, creating immersive experiences that engage viewers on both visual and emotional levels. His use of glass as a medium for large-scale public art has expanded its role beyond decorative craft into high art.

Throughout his career, Chihuly has exhibited in museums and public collections worldwide, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Corning Museum of Glass; and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. His work has influenced countless artists and reshaped public perception of glass art, establishing him as a leader in the field.

Dale Chihuly's enduring impact lies in his ability to blend technical mastery with imaginative expression, crafting works that celebrate color, movement, and the transformative power of light. His legacy continues to inspire and define contemporary glass artistry.