Kelkglas met een voorstelling van een roos c. 1750

This delicate “Kelkglas met een voorstelling van een roos” or stemmed glass with a rose design, was crafted by an anonymous artist. Its clear glass, mounted on an ornate silver base, merges fragility with opulence. Consider how this glass embodies both personal and communal rituals of consumption. Without knowing the maker, we might imagine the era and the Dutch social norms around dining that would shape how something like this would be used. The rose motif, etched into the glass, speaks to themes of love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. Roses were often included in art, reflecting the cultural values of the time. As you observe the glass, think about the hands that held it, the lips that touched its rim, and the stories shared around it. In what ways does this object invite us to contemplate our own relationships with beauty and the ephemeral moments of connection that shape our lives?