Dekselbokaal met het portret van koning Willem III after 1690

Here in the Rijksmuseum is an anonymous, colorless glass goblet, acid-etched with a portrait of King William III. The goblet is an intriguing play of transparency and depth. The colorless glass material provides a pure structure on which the portrait emerges, achieved through meticulous acid-etching. This technique allows for fine lines and subtle gradations that define the king's features and regal bearing. Notice how the circular shape of the glass distorts the portrait, challenging our perception and creating an interplay between the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional form. The etching is not merely decorative; it engages in a semiotic relationship with the vessel’s function. This goblet invites us to consider how an object can simultaneously serve a utilitarian purpose and convey symbolic meaning. The portrait, a sign of power and authority, is literally inscribed onto a vessel meant for consumption, suggesting a complex relationship between the ruler and the ruled.