1912-1930 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale

“1912-1930 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale,” curated by Marino Barovier and organised by Le Stanze del Vetro, showcases the evolution of Murano glass at the prestigious Venice Biennale over 18 years. Focusing on the period between 1912 and 1930, the exhibition presents 135 rare works loaned from leading museums and private collections.

Exploring Murano glass’s growing presence at the Biennale, the exhibition highlights collaborations with artists and the shift towards decorative arts, which later gained a dedicated structure in 1932. From the 1910s onwards, artists like Hans Stoltenberg Lerche and Vittorio Zecchin introduced a new, vibrant style to Murano glass, departing from the historicist approach.

Post-World War I, glass-making companies joined artists in showcasing their best productions. Notably, the Giacomo Cappellin and Paolo Venini furnace, in collaboration with Vittorio Zecchin, pioneered monochrome blown glass with a modern aesthetic. The 1920s witnessed the adoption of transparent monochrome glass, showcased by various artists and companies, including Guido Balsamo Stella and Napoleone Martinuzzi.

The exhibition’s catalogue, edited by Marino Barovier and Carla Sonego, features vintage photos, drawings, and documentary material, providing insight into Murano glass’s integration into major arts.