Beaker (Stangenglas)
Unknown Artist
late 16th century
Medium
Colorless (slightly gray) and opaque white nonlead glass; pewter mount. Blown, "vetro a retorti".
Dimensions
H. 27.4 cm
Classification
Glass
Culture
probably south Lowlands; possibly Bohemia or Saxony
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.1165
Art Historical Context
This elegant *Beaker (Stangenglas)* the late 16th exemplifies the refined glassmaking traditions of Renaissance Europe. Standing at 27.4 cm tall, it features colorless (slightly gray) nonlead glass combined with opaque white threads, crafted using the intricate blown "vetro a ret" technique. This Venetian-inspired method involves twisting canes of colored glass into spiraling patterns during blowing, creating a mesmerizing helical design that catches the light. The pewter mount at the base and rim adds a touch of opulence, suggesting it was prized for both display and use in affluent household...