Wineglass

Art Historical Context

Created in 1762 by Dutch artist William Fortuyn, this wineglass represents the refined traditions of European glassmaking in the mid-18th century. Measuring just over eight inches in height, the clear glass form highlights the material’s transparency and elegance, qualities that made such vessels prized for both daily use and display in Dutch homes of the period. The inclusion of a coat of arms indicates the piece was likely commissioned as a personalized item, transforming a functional drinking vessel into a marker of family identity or social standing. In Dutch culture, engraved glassware often served this dual purpose, blending utility with subtle expressions of heritage. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the Munsey Fund in 1927, the work now resides in the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. It offers visitors an intimate view of 18th-century craftsmanship, where technical skill in glass met the decorative tastes of its time.