Wineglass 1780 - 1795

This clear glass wineglass was made by David Wolff in the 18th century. On its side, we see playful putti rendered with remarkable detail. These cherubic figures, symbols of innocence and divine love, appear throughout art history, from ancient Roman depictions of Cupid to Renaissance paintings of angelic children. Here, they evoke a sense of joy and carefree abandon, embodying the pleasures associated with wine and celebration. Yet, these innocent figures can also carry a deeper psychological weight. The image of the child resonates with our primal memories of vulnerability and dependence, tapping into the complex emotions associated with childhood. The putto, therefore, is not merely a decorative motif, but a potent symbol that embodies a range of human experiences and beliefs, reappearing in art across centuries and cultures, each time imbued with new layers of meaning.