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

This drawing from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of 23 sheets created by the Compagnia di Venezia e Murano between 1850 and 1880, and depicts four designs for ornate, hand-crafted mirrors. The designs, which feature detailed floral accents, were likely meant to be used as working blueprints for the Venetian glassblowers. These intricate drawings offer insight into the craft and design process of the famous Murano glassmakers and showcase the detailed decorative work that was a hallmark of Venetian glass.