The Techniques of Renaissance Venetian Glassworking

by William Gudenrath

The Venetian glass industry, which was established during the Middle Ages, enjoyed a golden age during the Renaissance. Its rise to prominence in the manufacture of luxury glass was breathtaking in scope: by the early 1600s, the wonders of Venetian glass were well known throughout western Europe.

Not well known, however, was how these objects were made. That information was carefully kept secret by the Venetian government. This publication presents complete reconstructions of Venetian glassmaking techniques through detailed photography and high-definition video.