Prestel Vetripedia: Masterpieces of Venetian Glass

This magnificent and unprecedented three-volume set showcases one of the world’s most important collections of 20th-century Venetian glass—1000 masterpieces marvelously photographed and cataloged by a renowned expert in the field. Celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, artistic mastery, and iconic design, Venetian glass has a rich, historical legacy. The techniques developed by Venetian glassmakers have influenced glassmaking worldwide. Presented in three impressive volumes, this private collection includes works by thirty of the most influential artists, artisans, and studios from 1895–1970. Through Marino Barovier’s expertly insightful texts, readers will learn the evolution of the techniques, forms, colors, and tastes in Venetian glass during the Novecento—a century of sociopolitical, historical, and cultural change of egregious magnitude. Each glass object is described in terms of its aesthetic beauty, style and proportions, artistic quality, and rarity. The author describes the technical difficulties of the realization and the perfection of the technique that went into each piece. He also considers the designer’s standing; the significance of the manufacturers and glass masters; and their historical importance. Photographed with exceptional clarity and quality, the works are presented in remarkable full-page spreads, grouped by manufacturer, designer and type. The result is an impeccable and invaluable reference work reflecting the latest scholarship, that will appeal to glass experts, collectors, and anyone interested in modern glass art and design.