Goblet with cover c. 1880 - 1900

This goblet with cover was made by J. & L. Lobmeyr, a glassmaking firm that has been active in Vienna since 1823. The intricate engraving on clear crystal immediately brings to mind the sumptuous banquets and formal dining that were central to aristocratic culture. Looking at the goblet, we can appreciate how it signifies wealth, status, and refined taste. The engraved coat-of-arms on the side is also a signifier of hereditary privilege and power. To fully understand the cultural significance of an object like this, historians examine a wide range of archival materials, from company records to inventories of aristocratic households. By studying objects in relation to their social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of their historical significance.