Footed bowl

Art Historical Context

This elegant footed bowl, crafted in pressed glass around 1850–70, exemplifies the ingenuity of American glassmaking during the mid-th century. Standing 4½ inches tall with a generous 9⅜-inch diameter, its sturdy footed base and wide, shallow form made it ideal for serving fruits, candies, or as a decorative table centerpiece in Victorian households. Produced in the United States, it now graces The American Wing at The Museum of Art, thanks to generous 1946 gift Mrs. Emily Winthrop Miles. glass revolutionized everyday luxury during America's industrial boom. The technique involved pouring molten glass into intricate metal molds under high pressure, allowing for detailed patterns and shapes that mimicked expensive cut glass—at a fraction of the cost. This democratized fine tableware for the growing middle class, reflecting the era's optimism and fascination with ornate designs inspired by nature, architecture, and global motifs. Though the artist remains unknown, the bowl's survival highlights the durability and widespread appeal of these objects, which filled homes from New England parlors to frontier tables. It offers a tangible glimpse into how Americans blended functionality with aspiration in their daily lives.