Glass fragment
Unknown Artist
1st century CE
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
Other: 1 x 2 1/4 in. (2.6 x 5.7 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture & Period
Roman · Early Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.1646
Art Historical Context
This delicate glass fragment, dating to the 1st century CE during Rome's Early Imperial period, a glimpse into the everyday artistry of the ancient world. Crafted in the Roman culture, it measures just 1 x 2¼ inches (2.6 x 5.7 cm), likely a shard from a larger vessel or object. The Early Imperial era, under emperors like Augustus and Tiberius, marked a golden age for Roman craftsmanship, when glass production boomed thanks to innovations like glassblowing around 50 BCE. This technique allowed for affordable, mass-produced translucent wares that brought luxury to homes across the empire. Glass...