Arnaldo Zanella (b. 1949) is an Italian master glassmaker associated with the Murano glassmaking tradition. Born on Sant'Erasmo in the Venetian Lagoon, close to Murano, Zanella entered the world of Venetian glass at a young age and developed his craft among some of the leading glassmakers of his generation.

His early career was closely connected to Seguso Vetri d'Arte, where he worked alongside established figures including Alfredo Barbini, Angelo Seguso, Ermanno Nason and Pino Signoretto. Angelo Seguso selected Zanella as an assistant, giving him first-hand experience within one of Murano's important artistic glassmaking environments

In 1978, when renowned glass sculptor Pino Signoretto established his own furnace-studio, Zanella joined him. During this period he further developed his technical and artistic abilities while also attending evening drawing classes. This combination of furnace experience and formal drawing practice contributed to his development as an independent glass master.

A major step followed in 1985, when Zanella and several associates established the studio Andromeda. His work became particularly associated with brilliantly coloured and opalescent glass and with sculptural forms inspired by the natural world. Animals became an important part of his artistic vocabulary, with horses and birds among his most recognisable subjects.

From 1991, Zanella developed a long-standing professional association with Oscar Zanetti and Arte Zanetti Vetro. Zanetti Murano's own historical documentation includes Zanella among the masters connected with the glassworks, while contemporary secondary sources continue to document his association with the Zanetti workshop

Today, Zanella's work is particularly recognisable for its combination of traditional Murano craftsmanship, sculptural modelling and an enduring fascination with animal forms. His horses in particular form a distinctive part of his known body of work, appearing in transparent crystal as well as coloured and decorated glass. Signed examples from the 1980s and early 1990s are documented in the secondary market and auction record.

MURANIQ holds several works by Arnaldo Zanella in its private collection, including examples of his characteristic horse sculptures.