Wine glass with the arms of William V c. 1765 - 1780

Curator: This delicately engraved object is a wine glass, dating from about 1765 to 1780. Notice the engraved arms of William V, Prince of Orange. Editor: It has a rather festive, if slightly ceremonial, aura. The etched detail is remarkable, especially when observing the fine line work around the crown and shield. Curator: The creation of such glassware speaks volumes about the burgeoning craft industries during that period. Think about the glassblower's labor, the engraver’s skill. Glassmaking was quite a feat involving specialized workshops. Editor: True, and consider how the Baroque style influences the shape, lending to a spiraling stem and round foot. The etched glass and light refract together, don't you think? A play with depth and translucency that adds another layer. Curator: Absolutely! But let's also appreciate that the "Anonymous" creator might have been part of a larger workshop producing luxury goods. What kind of societal demand allowed the means of such production to occur? Editor: It points toward luxury and refined culture. I wonder about the glass material in conjunction with that particular etched design and composition. Does that say something? The royal arms evoke not just opulence, but power. Curator: Right. Who had access to these luxury items? And what impact did they have on ordinary citizens when only the privileged held access to these goods? Editor: It reminds us that even everyday objects have a story, whether it be design composition or social context of display. Curator: Examining process and labor along with form invites a richer reading of history. It gives more dignity to workers from that era that were anonymous to history books!