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

This sheet of drawings of glassware was composed by the Compagnia di Venezia e Murano, likely in the late 19th century. Rendered in delicate watercolor on paper, the symmetrical compositions depict wall brackets adorned with floral motifs. The color palette is restrained, dominated by blues, pinks, and yellows, creating a soft visual experience. Consider the structural framework that underscores these drawings. Each element functions as a signifier. The repetitive use of floral patterns and symmetrical arrangements evoke a sense of classical order. Yet, the sketch-like quality and variations in execution subtly destabilize this sense of perfect symmetry. It raises questions about the ideal versus the actual, the blueprint versus the finished product. The linear precision defining the brackets intersects with softer brushwork in the floral details, creating a tension between structure and ornamentation. This tension reflects broader artistic debates of the era, particularly regarding functional design versus pure aesthetic form. Ultimately, this drawing stands as a visual negotiation between utility and beauty, inviting us to continually reconsider these categories.