Lincoln Drape Goblet
mid-19th century
Classification
glasswares
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Granville Price
Accession Number
1992-163-5
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
The *Lincoln Drape Goblet is a captivating example of mid-19th-century American glassware, housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum Smithsonian Collection. Crafted a pivotal era in U.S. history—the lead-up to and midst of the Civil War—this goblet reflects the artistry of anonymous glassmakers who produced functional yet decorative household items. Its title suggests a distinctive "drape" pattern, likely evoking folded fabric motifs popular in period glass designs, which added elegance to everyday tableware. Though the exact medium and techniques remain under research, goblets like this were typically blown or molded from clear or patterned glass, showcasing the ingenuity of American factories such as those in New England or the Midwest. These pieces highlight the democratization of fine design in antebellum America, where glassware became accessible symbols of refinement for growing middle-class homes. A generous gift from Mrs. Granville Price, the goblet invites ongoing scholarly exploration into its origins and cultural role. Visit it to ponder how such delicate objects captured the spirit of a transformative time in American life.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...