Flip Glass c. 1940

V.L. Vance made this watercolor of a glass sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. At first glance, it might seem a simple still life, but consider how the image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Vance lived through profound shifts in American industrialism. The late 19th century saw mass production change how everyday goods like glassware were made and distributed. As items became more widely available, their meaning shifted. They were no longer rare treasures but common household items, and their imagery could comment on social class. Was this glass a treasured object or a mass-produced commodity? Understanding the social conditions that shape artistic production helps us understand the public role of art. Historians look at manufacturing records, advertisements, and domestic accounts to fully understand an image like this one. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.