No. 98
Medium
glasswares
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
2009-18-28
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**No. 98** *Ludwig Lobmeyr (Austrian, 1829–1917), 1865 Glassware, Smithsonian American Art Crafted in 1865 by Ludwigmeyr, a master of Viennese glassmaking, *No. 98* the exquisite craftsmanship of mid-19th-century Austria. Lobmeyr, part of the renowned J. L. Lobmeyr firm founded in 1822, specialized in luxury crystal glassware that blended technical innovation with elegant design. During this era, Vienna's glass industry flourished amid the Biedermeier period's emphasis on refined domestic luxury, with pieces like this often featuring delicate thin-walled forms and precise engraving techniques that showcased the material's clarity and sparkle. As a catalogued design numbered "No. 98," this glassware reflects Lobmeyr's tradition of producing items for elite clientele, including European royalty and international collectors. Its presence in the Smithsonian American Art Museum highlights the transatlantic appeal of Austrian decorative arts, acquired through generous donors. Though research on this specific piece is ongoing, it stands as a testament to the era's fusion of artistry and industry, inviting visitors to appreciate the subtle play of light in finely wrought glass. (178 words)