Musei Civici d'Arte Antica

This exhibition, curated by Mark Gregory D’Apuzzo, Massimo Medica and Mauro Stocco, is organized to present to the public the recent donation (2020) by the Cappagli Serretti family of a significant collection of 117 glass items. The venue was possible through the collaboration of the Musei Civici d’Arte Antica of Bologna and the Museo del Vetro in Murano, one of the members of the Fondazione Musei Civici of Venice.

The donation will be exhibited at the Museo Civico Medievale, next to the masterpieces of the municipal museums precious historical collections of glassware.

The Cappagli Serretti donation will thus enhance and increase the existing collections of both Museo Civico Medievale and Museo Davia Bargellini.

The new acquisition is remarkable for the number of items, ranging from the 17th to the beginning of the 20th century, and their artistic quality. On show are examples of English and Spanish 18th century glassware and colourful products of 19th century Boemian craft-man ship.

This juxtaposition will exemplify how the different European manufactures were in constant contact, sharing techniques, patterns and shapes. Especially remarkable are some 17th century Venetian works, like the chalice with a flower shaped stem or the delicate stand decorated with an aquamarine glass chain. A group of items from Venice and other European manufactures exemplifies very well the production of glasswares imitating Boemian objects. In contrast with the refined and precious glasswares for noble and bourgeois customers, some of the items are part of a more humble production, for daily use in homes and chemist shops and laboratories.

This exhibition offers a unique chance of getting to know the fragile and colorful beauty of the world of glass, with its many secrets and tecniques.