Venetian Murano Glass Chandelier

This enchanting Venetian chandelier is a stunning example of the time-honored art of Venetian glassmaking. Composed of eight lights sumptuously decorated with a garden of delicate and colorful flowers, flourishing leaves and a multitude of sculpted drops, the chandelier exhibits the artistry for which Venice, and the island of Murano, became world-famous. Colorful and delicate, this chandelier is an exquisite and delightful treasure.

39" diameter x 54 1/2" high

Circa 1880

Venetian-Murano glass chandeliers were first produced around 1700, though the island of Murano had been manufacturing glass since the 13th century. Since 1292, when Venetian glass companies had to relocate to Murano, an island located in its lagoon, for fear of fire, most of its population has lived by glass production. The art of glass was brought to the area by Byzantine craftsmen who came to the area from Constantinople, overrun first by crusaders, then by the Ottomans. By the 16th century, Venetian artisans had gained even greater control over the color and transparency of their glass, and had mastered a variety of decorative techniques. They occupied an extremely high position in Venetian society, but in return, were often forced to remain within the city limits. Despite these efforts to keep Venetian glassmaking techniques within Venice, they became known elsewhere, and Venetian-style glassware was produced in other Italian cities and other countries of Europe. The Murano style became popular in Europe in the 19th century when other manufacturers produced chandeliers in the Murano style.