CARLO SCARPA (1906-1978)

In 1952 Carlo Scarpa was commissioned to redesign the interior of the Museo Correr in Venice, including the display of the art collection. Scarpa reorganised the various spaces of the historic museum, designing pedestals, supports and easels in materials such as stone, steel, wood and glass. Scarpa’s intention was to create a heightened sense between the works of art and the viewer. This would be a completely new and innovative way to display art in public museums.

Scarpa used these easels throughout his career in many of his museum projects: Museo Correr, Venice, Palazzo Abatellis, Palermo, Museo Castelvecchio, Verona, and Fondatione Querini Stampalia, Venice. Executed by the Zanon brothers in steel and wood, the easel is completely adjustable to the painting and the viewer’s desired height.

Most recently the American contemporary artist Carol Bove exhibited Scarpa’s easels and vitrines alongside her new body of work in the exhibition Carol Bove/Carlo Scarpa, curated by the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, England and Museion, Bolzano. The exhibition juxtaposed works by Bove alongside works of Carlo Scarpa, exploring the dialogue between the display of objects, art and sculpture.