Lantern
Unknown Artist
ca. 1810
Medium
Amethyst glass, bronze
Dimensions
H. 30 in. (76.2 cm); Diam. 14 in. (35.6 cm)
Classification
Lantern
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1938
Accession Number
38.126
Art Historical Context
This elegant lantern, crafted around 1810 by an unknown American artist, exemplifies the refined decorative arts of the early Federal period. Standing at an impressive 30 inches tall a 14-inch diameter, it features a delicate amethyst glass globe—its subtle purple hue evoking luxury and rarity—mounted on a sturdy bronze base. Such lanterns were essential lighting fixtures in prosperous American homes, illuminating parlors and hallways before widespread electricity. The use of amethyst glass highlights in American glassmaking during this era, when artisans drew inspiration from European techni...