Venetian Glass: Confections in Glass 1855-1914 [Hardcover]

Sheldon Barr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Since it was first produced in the mid-1800s, Venetian glass has been popular for its fanciful shapes, remarkable clarity, sumptuous colours and unusual patterns. Its artists were virtuosi, and the works themselves, among which are goblets, vases, decanters and chandeliers, are extraordinary for their beauty and technical perfection. Incorporating 100 colour photographs of some of the finest pieces ever created, this is a survey of Venetian glass of the late-19th and early-20th centuries. The author also describes the political battles, intrigues and financial entanglements that surrounded their production, including the near-imprisonment of glass artisans on the tiny island of Murano. This forced seclusion ensured that Venetian glassmaking techniques remain closely guarded, even to this day.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sheldon Barr, a graduate of Columbia College, has been a dealer and collector in the art glass field since 1967. Barr has written extensively on the subject. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; First edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810939398
• ISBN-13: 978-0810939394
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book full of great information, June 15, 2000

By 

Dr. Angela M. Bowey "Angela glass.co.nz" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Venetian Glass: Confections in Glass 1855-1914 (Hardcover)

This is a lovely book. The pictures are superb and it covers very clearly the history of glass-making in Venice during the late 19th and early 20th century. Major names and companies (Salviati, Seguso, Barovier, Toso, but not Venini) and the main styles of glass are discussed. A must for anyone wanting to know more about the Italian glass of this period. I would have liked to see in index, though. It has the feel of a much more expensive book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A skillfully-written and visually arresting presentation., June 30, 2008

By 

Andrew Alpern "Attorney and Historian" (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Venetian Glass Mosaics: 1860-1917 (Hardcover)

Sheldon Barr is increasingly skilled in both writing and visual presentation in this addition to his impressive shelf of books and articles. He expands from his previous book on Venetian blown glass to the glass mosaic productions emanating from that city. He has told his story in parallel tracks of the technique and artistry of the medium, and the maneuvering and machinations of the people involved. The combination is lively, entertaining, and informative. As a relative newcomer to this field, I now feel significantly better educated for having read this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars World-Class, June 25, 2008

By 

environmental realist (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Venetian Glass Mosaics: 1860-1917 (Hardcover)

Readers can read and enjoy this beautiful book with confidence that they are hearing from a true source of knowledge. Sheldon Barr is a widely recognized expert in this and several other fields of fine art, and his opinions are sought by the world's great museums. Fortunately for readers, he combines this knowledge with a felicitous pen, so that the beauty of this art can be even better appreciated. This is a bargain.