Wine Glass
Mid 19th century
Medium
Glass with gilding
Dimensions
H.: 10.8 cm (4 1/4 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
68920
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of 19th-century European tableware with this delicate *Wine Glass* from Baccarat Glassworks, a pinnacle of French luxury craftsmanship dating to the mid-1800s. Standing just 10.8 cm tall, this petite drinking vessel exemplifies the Applied Arts of Europe, blending functionality with opulent beauty. Baccarat, founded in 1764 in, France, rose to fame during the industrial era for its flawless lead crystal, favored by royalty and the emerging bourgeoisie for grand banquets. Crafted from fine glass adorned with intricate gilding—likely applied gold leaf that catches th...
About the Artist
Baccarat Glassworks
Baccarat Glassworks, founded in 1764 in the Lorraine village of Baccarat, France, emerged from a royal decree by King Louis XV granting Bishop Monseigneur de Montmorency-Laval permission to establish a glass factory. Leveraging abundant local driftwood from the Vosges forest and skilled craftsmen, the works initially produced soda glass for windows, mirrors, and everyday stemware, employing thousa...