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
2009-18-44
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**No. 168 by Ludwig Lobmeyr (1)** Step into the elegant world of 19th-century Viennese with *No. 168*, a exquisite piece of glassware created by Austrian artist Ludwig Lobmeyr (9–1917). in 1871, during the height of the Austro-Hungarian, this work reflects Lobmeyr's mastery in the art of fine glassmaking. As head of the esteemed J. & L. Lobmeyr firm in Vienna, Lobmeyr was celebrated for producing luxury crystal that graced royal tables across Europe, blending technical precision with aesthetic refinement. Though the specific medium details are still under research, *No. 168* belongs to the tradition of high-quality glasswares—likely featuring intricate cutting or engraving techniques that showcased the clarity and sparkle of Bohemian-style crystal. These pieces were not just functional objects but symbols of sophistication, embodying the era's Historicist revival of classical forms amid rapid industrialization. Lobmeyr's innovations in glass production helped elevate the medium to fine art status. Acquired through generous museum purchases and now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, *No. 168* bridges European artistry with American appreciation. It invites us to ponder the global exchange of design ideas in the Gilded Age, reminding visitors of glass's timeless allure as both everyday luxury and cultural treasure. (198 words)