Cup plate 1826 - 1830

This cup plate, of unknown date and maker, at the Art Institute of Chicago, may seem like a simple utilitarian object, but look closer and you'll see it is a study in intricate form and pattern. The clear glass is molded into a radial design, where a central, textured circle bursts outwards into a star-like pattern. This pattern is further expanded with a ring of raised geometric shapes, culminating in a scalloped edge. The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through the varying depths and textures of the glass, creates a mesmerizing effect. The plate transforms a mundane object into something almost architectural. Its clear glass composition invites us to consider the subtle beauty in everyday life. It encourages a rethinking of how functional items can also be objects of aesthetic contemplation.