No. 168
Classification
glasswares
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of Dale and Doug Anderson, Anonymous Donor, Arthur Liu, and Prairie Pictures, Inc. and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund
Accession Number
2009-18-43
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**No. 168 by Ludwig Lobmeyr (1871)** Ludwig Lobmeyr (1829–1917), a master Austrian glassmaker from the renowned J. & L. Lobmeyr firm in Vienna, created *No. 168* in 1871. The Lobmeyr family, active since the early 19th century, specialized in crystal glassware, supplying the Habsburg imperial court and Europe's elite with finely crafted pieces. This work, classified as glassware, exemplifies the firm's dedication to precision and luxury during a golden age of European decorative arts, bridging Biedermeier elegance and emerging historicist styles. Though the exact medium and form remain under research—possibly a vessel or ornamental object—*No. 168* reflects Lobmeyr's innovative techniques in cutting, engraving, and polishing Bohemian-style crystal. In 1871, amid Vienna's industrial boom and the World's Fairs showcasing such craftsmanship, pieces like this highlighted glass as both functional art and status symbol, influencing global design. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through generous donors including Dale and Doug Anderson, this artwork joins the Smithsonian Collection, underscoring international exchanges in 19th-century aesthetics. Ongoing research promises to reveal more about its techniques and provenance, inviting visitors to appreciate its timeless sparkle and historical allure.