Venetian Glass
Curated By: Alexa
(Image 12)
Curated By: Alexa
(Image 12)
A chandelier made from Venetian glass is shown. Most likely in a luxurious building. (Image 14)
Venetian glass was not just an object, it was an important item that progressed the Italian Renaissance culture. It was shown in a variety of Christian symbols and it set up luxury style standards that progressed fast into popularity.
This image shows early glassmakers working on their projects. (Image 15)
What makes Venetian glass so special are the materials used. These raw materials are rare and valuable. They are so valuable that many companies compete for them. Certain government restrictions like export bans, controlling purchases, and limiting production capacity were issued to keep these materials safe. Even with the government controls, a competitor, Terraferma, retrieved some of these materials from smuggling. These materials were Levantine Soda Ashes and Ticino pebbles.
It was made by being burnt in a wood-fired furnace. The process was the glass being melted many times through water while being stirred in short terms. The glassmaker had to pay very close and precise attention to check on the furnace's maintenance.
This image presents the different types of glassware that could've been used in this Renaissance Era. They were most likely used for dishing or dining purposes. (Image 16)
Transforming culture is what Venetian glass did to later civilizations. This invention helped improve Venice culture by giving religious attributes including the different examples of higher figures. It also popularized the trends of Italian renaissance fashion with glass buttons, a variety of glassware (bowls, wine glasses, etc.), and more.
This is the Emblem Of the Chalice which is important in the religion Chrisianity. (Image 13)
Venetian glass was known for starting some religious stories. One story involves the Emblem Of the Chalice which is important within Christianity. In one painting created by Jean Baptist Barbe, Saint John the Evangelist is seen holding a Venetian glass cup containing a liquid. This cup had a snake inside of it showing that the liquid was poisonous. The snake was also commonly referred to as Satan in this painting. Satan is also in other Venetian-style glass designs. The snake on the glass shows people that the alcohol they’re drinking is referred to as poison.
Catalina Micaela is shown dressed in grandclothing with jewelry draping from head to toe. (Image 17)
The religious values Venetian glass offered was substantial to its historical context. It gave us a few stories involving Venetian glass (ex: The Emblem of the Chalice). This invention was also very well used in certain fashion trends like buttons, glassware, and more luxurious items.
-This website goes further into depth on the origin of Venetian glassmaking.
-This website talks about some of the different styles of Venetian glassware.
- This website shows the backstory of Venetian glass and how it was made.