Chandeliers were illuminated for centuries by the lights of candles that
required a difficult maintenance and due to the risk of fire were also relatively
dangerous.
From 19th century gas light became a source of ilumination eventually
taking the place of candles.
Gas illuminated chandeliers appeared in the middle of the century and
many previously built chandeliers were later converted to gas.
By the 1890s electricity became available for illumination and since its distribution
became wider its use in chandeliers became standard.
Antique chandeliers may not have transitioned to a modern illumination
and are now mainly used as decorative focal point in a room without being
an actual source of light.
Chandeliers were always mainly decorative rather than purely functional.
Before illuminating a room they had the purpose of showing wealth for
the upper class.
After their widespread success in the XVIII century, in 1797 the production
of glass in Murano fell abruptly as the Venetian Republic was occupied
by the armies of Napoleon.
Many of the glass furnaces closed and the production of Murano glass
chandelier came to halt.
It wasn't until the mid 19th century that production of glass in Murano
was revived and the products of its art, chandeliers included, became popular
again.
Murano glass chandeliers have a unique history and continue to be produced
in Venice today, thanks to the success that makes them one of
Venetian glass best-known and most appreciated products.
These pretty and joyful glass chandeliers that became popular after the
iron, wood and brass era of chandeliers, instantly brings a new dimension
of fun and fashion to the idea of chandelier.
Today they are widely appreciated as one of the most beautiful and decorative
types of chandelier.