Beaker with cover 1700 - 1715

This is a glass beaker with a cover, made by Friedrich Winter around the turn of the 18th century. Notice how the clear glass is brought to life through intricate engraving. The play of light on its surface creates a delicate dance between transparency and depth, inviting closer inspection. Consider the structure. The beaker tapers upwards from a multifaceted base through classical motifs and scrollwork to a frieze of figures, before culminating in a domed lid topped with a bud-shaped finial. The engraved decorations aren't merely ornamental; they reveal the values and beliefs of the time. Each flourish, line, and curve contributes to a visual language that speaks of status, artistry, and the complex relationship between form and function. The clear glass suggests purity, while the ornate design reflects a culture of abundance and detail. Think about how this piece might have been displayed, catching light and attention in a grand home. This beaker is not just a vessel but a statement, reflecting the era's fascination with beauty, status, and the stories that objects can tell.