Wine glass with two little boys drinking c. 1760 - 1780

This delicate wine glass with two little boys drinking was crafted anonymously, its clear glass offering a glimpse into complex social norms. During the historical period when this glass was created, children were often miniatured versions of adults, sometimes prematurely exposed to adult vices. Consider the imagery etched into the glass, two young boys imbibing, perhaps a commentary on innocence lost, or the blurring of childhood and adulthood. The act of drinking, often associated with social gatherings and adult rituals, when depicted with children, becomes fraught with questions. Does it critique societal values, or reflect normalized practices? As you observe this glass, consider the stories it silently tells about cultural expectations, and the tender, yet complicated, relationship between youth and experience.