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

Art Historical Context

Step into the shimmering world of 19th-century Venetian craftsmanship with *One of Twenty-Three of Drawings of GlasswareMirrors, Chandel, Goblets, etc.)*, created by the Compagnia di e Murano between 1850 and 1880. This intricate sheet, part of a larger series preserved at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, meticulous renderings of elegant glass objects—mirrors, chandeliers goblets, vases, bottles. Produced by a prominent glassmaking firm from Venice and the island of Murano, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of exquisite glasswork, these drawings served as design prototypes or trade catalogs, capturing the opulence of the era's decorative arts. Murano glass, with its innovative techniques like filigrana and millefiori, symbolized luxury and technical mastery during the mid-19th century, a time when Venice's artisans catered to global elites amid Italy's unification. This sheet highlights the company's role in preserving and evolving this heritage, blending functionality with artistry in items that would adorn grand homes and palaces. Rendered in watercolor, pen and black ink, and graphite on a generous 14 x 19-inch sheet, the work demonstrates precise draftsmanship—fine lines delineating delicate curves and reflective surfaces, with subtle color washes evoking glass's translucence. As a drawing from the Elisha Whittelsey Collection, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into the creative process behind Venice's glittering legacy, inviting appreciation for the fusion of design and industry.

About the Artist

Compagnia di Venezia e Murano · 1872–1909

**Compagnia di Venezia e Murano: Reviving Ancient Glass Mastery** The Compagnia di Venezia e Murano (C.V.M.), a pioneering Venetian glass firm, emerged from the vision of English archaeologist Austen Henry Layard, antiquarian William Drake, and lawyer Antonio Salviati, who founded it in 1866 in London as Salviati & C. Layard, drawing on his expertise in ancient artifacts, directed the company—ren...