Cup
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
Overall: 6 7/8 × 5 1/2 in. (17.5 × 14 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture
Italian, Venice (Murano)
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of James Jackson Jarves, 1881
Accession Number
81.8.158
Art Historical Context
This elegant 19th-century glass from Murano, Venice, exemplifies the island's enduring legacy as a global hub of glassmaking artistry. Measuring 6 7/8 ×5 1/2 inches (17.5 × 14 cm), its delicate form reflects the technical mastery of Venetian artisans, who guarded their secrets fiercely since the 13th century to prevent rivals from replicating their innovations. Murano glass, prized for its clarity, color, and intricate techniques, was a staple of European decorative arts, adorning tables of nobility and collectors alike. Crafted by an unknown artist, this cup highlights the 19th-century reviv...