Wineglass 1785 - 1795

This wineglass was made by David Wolff in the late 18th century, crafted from clear glass, a material prized for its ability to showcase both form and engraved decoration. The glass has been blown into a pleasing shape, with a faceted stem adding visual interest. But it’s the engraved scene that really captures attention, achieved through the skilled labor of a glass cutter, meticulously incising the surface. It depicts figures in a cellar, perhaps alluding to the wine held within, or making a broader comment on labor and production. The material itself – glass – speaks to a wider social context, requiring specialist knowledge of its properties. The glass cutter needed to not only understand how to manipulate the glass, but also to create the detailed scene. By considering these aspects, we can appreciate this wineglass as more than just a vessel; it’s a testament to skill, labor, and the rich interplay between materials and meaning.