Kelkglas met een jongen met fluit en een meisje met een mandoline c. 1760 - 1780

Editor: We're looking at an 18th-century drinking glass; the museum attributes it to an anonymous maker from somewhere between 1760 and 1780. What strikes me is the playful way the stem is formed from what looks like faceted beads. I'm curious—as a Formalist, what do you find compelling about this piece? Curator: The most striking element is precisely that stem, a vertical articulation bisected by these jewel-like compressions. This treatment forces us to perceive the stem not merely as a support but as an ornamental form unto itself. Note how the faceting manipulates the light, fracturing and redirecting it to emphasize its inherent geometric structure. Consider also the restrained curvature of the bowl; it doesn't detract from the statement being made by the stem. Editor: I can see what you mean; it's less about pure function and more about visual impact, especially with the way the light catches the glass. Do you think the engraved figures of the boy and girl add anything to the composition? Curator: Their contribution resides less in representational content than in their modification of the glass surface. These engravings subtly disrupt the flawless surface of the glass, reminding us of its materiality and of the artist's hand in its crafting. Look closely and tell me, do you think they complement or clash with the stem? Editor: Hmmm...I guess I always saw them as sort of sweet or whimsical. But thinking about what you've said, the light might dance in an interesting way because of them... They add complexity, even if that wasn't really clear to me at first. Curator: Exactly. By considering how elements modify and interact, we move past a purely representational interpretation. This glass encapsulates that dynamic beautifully, wouldn't you say? Editor: Yes, definitely! It really underscores how looking closely at composition can unlock hidden meanings! Thanks so much for your time!