Venetian traditions and Iberian adaptations: technological transfer and local production in 17th-century glass from Majorca

This study investigates the glassmaking traditions and trade dynamics in Majorca, Spain, from the 14th to the late 17th centuries. While the Iberian Peninsula is historically recognized as a significant centre for glass production, archaeological data supporting the development and transmission of these crafts has remained limited. To address this gap, chemical and typological analyses were performed on 38 glass samples, spanning the mentioned period, including production remains and finished objects from the 17th-century Sa Gerreria glass furnace in Palma, as well as fragments from other contemporary excavation sites across the island. The research explores the influence of Venetian traditions on local production, specifically examining how Mediterranean trade routes facilitated the arrival of Muranese master glassmakers, such as the Barovier family, to instruct local artisans. Analytical results from Sa Gerreria reveal a strong chemical correlation between production waste and excavated objects, confirming local manufacturing of high-quality glass for some of the objects. The findings identify various glass types, including façon de Venise styles and local adaptations, characterised by specific decorative techniques like pattern-moulding and applied blue trails. By characterising these materials, this work provides and explores new insights into the technological transfer between Venice and the Iberian Peninsula and establishes Majorca’s role as a pivotal hub for both local glass production and international trade during the early modern period.