Wine glass with portraits of William V and Wilhelmina of Prussia c. 1790

This delicate wine glass is engraved with portraits of William V and Wilhelmina of Prussia. The anonymous maker skillfully used the glass medium to capture a sense of royal authority and elegance. Notice how the clear glass forms the structure of the goblet. The profiles of the prince and princess are etched into the glass, their solemn faces sharply delineated. This artistic choice exploits the interplay of light and shadow to suggest a sense of depth and dimension in the portraits, enhancing the visual and symbolic weight of the royal figures. The portraits are framed by leafy patterns, which softens the overall formality. The choice of glass as a medium further influences our perception. Its fragility suggests a delicate balance of power, while its transparency might symbolize the clarity and accountability expected from the monarchy. The semiotic interplay between form and representation, combined with the intrinsic qualities of the material, offers a compelling perspective on art's capacity to convey multifaceted meanings.