Standing cup with cover

Art Historical Context

This exquisite **Standing Cup with Cover**, crafted by an unknown artist in Murano Venice, around 1855–75, showcases the timeless allure of Italian glassmaking. Standing 15 inches tall with its lid, this piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection features intricate snake motifs—a tag that hints at its bold, symbolic decoration. Murano, a tiny island famed since the 13th century for its secretive glass techniques, produced luxury vessels like this during a 19th-century revival, blending Renaissance traditions with innovative designs for elite collectors. Venetian glass from this era often employed sophisticated methods like filigrana (threaded glass) or lampworking to create fluid, sculptural forms, making cups like this both functional and ornamental. The snakes likely evoke mythological or decorative themes popular in Venetian art, symbolizing eternity or protection, while the standing form elevates it to a status symbol for dining or display. Gifted to the Met in 1881 by James Jackson Jarves, a pioneering collector of Italian decorative arts, this cup bridges everyday luxury and museum treasure. Visitors, imagine sipping from such a serpentine wonder— a testament to Murano's enduring mastery! (198 words)