Goblet 1935 - 1942

Ronau William Woiceske made this watercolor painting of a ‘Goblet.’ Woiceske worked as a designer for the H. C. Fry Glass Company. The painting offers a glimpse into the world of industrial design in the early 20th century. We see the convergence of artistic skill and mass production. The pale green glass and the geometric patterns resonate with the Art Deco style. This was a popular aesthetic that reflected the machine age and a sense of streamlined modernity. Mass production allowed for the democratization of design. Pieces like this goblet could be accessible to a wider range of consumers beyond the wealthy elite. This painting gives us insight into the commercial art world of the time. Through studying design archives and company records, we can understand the social and economic context that shaped Woiceske’s work. The meaning of the goblet resides in its role in the cultural landscape.