One of Twenty-Three Sheets of Drawings of Glassware (Mirrors, Chandeliers, Goblets, etc.) 1850 - 1880

This sheet of drawings of glassware; mirrors, chandeliers, goblets, et cetera, was created by the Compagnia di Venezia e Murano between 1872 and 1909. These designs offer a glimpse into the late 19th-century fascination with ornate, handcrafted objects which were seen as luxury goods. Created during an era of increasing industrialization, the designs evoke a sense of nostalgia for traditional craftsmanship. Notice the attention to detail in the delicate lines of the glassware, a skill passed down through generations of Venetian artisans. The drawings also speak to the social and economic structures of the time. The production of Murano glass was a labor-intensive process, often involving entire families. These objects reflected and shaped the identities of both the artisans who made them and the wealthy consumers who acquired them. Imagine these chandeliers illuminating grand ballrooms, casting a warm glow on a society grappling with shifting identities and emerging social hierarchies.