Wineglass 1780 - 1785

This is a wineglass, standing just over seven inches tall, made by David Wolff sometime in the 18th century. Wolff, a glass engraver, lived during a time of immense political change, including the American and French Revolutions. This delicate object represents the powerful intertwining of class and identity through its ornamentation of wealth and status. The detailed engraving speaks to elite culture, while the glass making traditions are rooted in specific regional economies and labor practices. Note the images of putti, common motifs that were often used to represent abundance and luxury. The Stuart Royal Arms are also represented in the glass. Wolff's wine glass doesn't merely hold liquid; it holds history. It reminds us that even the most exquisite objects are embedded in social, economic, and political networks. This intricate wineglass serves as a reminder of the stories and labor it embodies.