Ewer 1585 - 1595

Charles Duron created this ewer from glass, an object that is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Notice the elaborate design and detailed execution that together invite us to explore the relationships between form and function. The ewer's clear material provides a sense of lightness, though the shape remains grounded through its goblet-like base. Duron masterfully manipulates the glass medium to create layers of visual interest, from the relief figures carved into the body to the sculptural handle featuring a satyr. The detailed figures around the ewer evoke classical scenes, inviting viewers to consider themes of mythology, nature, and the human form. Yet, beyond its aesthetic and representational qualities, the ewer also prompts us to reflect on broader notions of luxury, craftsmanship, and how the decorative arts can serve as reflections of cultural values and stories. Examine how the formal elements of material, shape, and relief work together to create an object that is not just functional but also a vessel of historical and artistic narratives.