Wineglass 1794

This delicate wineglass at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was crafted by David Wolff in the 18th century. Its clear glass is structured by a faceted stem, which refracts light and draws the eye upward to the bowl. The glass surface features finely engraved scenes with figures that appear almost spectral. These engravings aren't merely decorative; they introduce narrative and depth to the form. Wolff’s strategic use of line and light manipulates our perception of depth, challenging the very nature of the object. The imagery, perhaps allegorical or pastoral, invites semiotic interpretation. The wineglass transcends its functional purpose, becoming a commentary on the nature of representation itself, highlighting the interplay between form and content. What does it mean to contain and display? As you turn the glass, consider how Wolff prompts us to question the boundaries between seeing, interpreting, and knowing.