Cup plate c. 1844

This clear glass cup plate, made in the mid-19th century, is an example of pressed glass, a technique popular in the United States during the 19th century. It's decorated with an intricate design of floral motifs and a central medallion with a portrait. The plate, which was likely used for serving beverages, demonstrates the beauty and ingenuity of early American glassmaking, using the technique of press molding to create a decorative and functional object. This pressed glass cup plate, currently held by The Art Institute of Chicago, is a captivating example of 19th-century American decorative arts.