Bowl of Wine Glass with Silver Foot

Art Historical Context

This elegant drinking vessel, created around 1740, showcases the refined craftsmanship of 18th-century European applied arts. Measuring just over four inches in height, the piece features a delicately engraved glass bowl supported by a silver foot, blending transparency and luminosity with the weight and sheen of metal. Such hybrid constructions were prized for both their functionality and decorative appeal, elevating everyday rituals like wine service into moments of visual delight. The engraving on the glass likely served to catch the light and add subtle ornamentation, a technique that highlighted the skill of anonymous artisans working in glasshouses and silversmith workshops across Europe. By combining these materials, the vessel reflects the period’s taste for luxurious yet practical tableware, often used in social gatherings among the upper classes. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Applied Arts of Europe collection, this object offers visitors a tangible connection to the material culture of the 1740s, reminding us how even small items could embody both utility and artistic expression.

About the Artist

Unknown

The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...