MURANO GLASS AT MUSEE
MAILLOL (PARIS)
Between March and
July 2013, the Musee Maillol (59 rue de Grennelle, 75007 Paris, France)
presented an Exhibition « Chefs d’ œuvre of Murano glass from
the Renaissance to the XXI st century »
At the invitation
of the Museum, the antique dealer Philippe Lachaux loaned a particularly large
Murano glass Chandelier for the duration of the Exhibition, of which it became
one of the most spectacular show pieces.
Such particularly
large chandeliers are exceedingly rare. They are called « Rezzonico » after
the name of the Venitian Palace where they were first hung at the end of the
17th century.
Most of the
chandeliers of the 17th and 18th centuries which are still in existance, are
today found only in museums. Often these fragile chandeliers were damaged
during the lighting of candles or during the necessary cleanings when damaged
elements had to be replaced.
Thus, the Murano
chandelier that was presented at The Musee Maillol, have undergone several
restorations and replacements during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Its size is quite exceptional (height 2m80
– diameter 1m80), its weight being something of the order of 180 kgs (400 lbs).
During its last
restoration, electric wiring was incorporated, in order to facilitate any eventual
electrification.
As from September
2013, this chandelier will again be on
display in the Marche Biron in Saint Ouen, in the shop of Philippe Lachaux,
the specialist of Venitian style Murano chandeliers.
Musée MAILLOL : Read more
