In the 20th century section, the exhibition will display four extraordinary masterpieces by Egidio Costantini, from the Angels’ Forge, dating back to his meetings with Chagall and Picasso:

Amphora and Horse. Marc Chagall’s meeting with Egidio Costantini dates back to 1954: he was one of the first great international artists who decided to work with Costantini and his Angels’ Forge. For many years, Chagall had been attracted by glass and by the many opportunities that this area could provide for the imagination and skills of those who wished to tackle it. Thanks to the relationship with Costantini, although they met only occasionally, Chagall discovered a totally new and different use for the glassmaking tradition of the time, tied to a production – yes, of excellence – but craftsmanlike.
Chagall, then, entrusted the shapes and colors created by his artistic genius to Costantini who translated them into unique masterpieces of unmistakable beauty.

Fawn and Goat. Egidio Costantini and Pablo Picasso would develop many themes in glass after their first meeting in Vallauris in 1954, but mythology undoubtedly takes prominence. Spirits, but also monsters, were subjects dear to the Spanish artist who gave Costantini a collection of poems by André Verdet, which he had illustrated with mythological characters. Picasso challenged him to translate them into works of glass and from this provocation the works known as nymphs and fauns were created. They are figurines that make up a series of solid glass sculptures. Over time, centaurs and goblins would follow in different sizes, shapes and colors. Picasso would be so satisfied that their collaboration would continue on the theme of nature. Animals of great beauty would be born, strong and powerful animals like the bull, enigmatic and elegant like the owl, or carriers of peace and beauty like the dove.