UNKNOWN GLASS MASTER, Italian
(active in 17th century in Murano)

Winged goblet

17th century
Glassware
Museo del Vetro, Murano

In contrast to the formal rigour of the sixteenth century, seventeenth-century glass reflects the influence of the Baroque. Purity of line, typical of the Renaissance, was abandoned in favour of free creativity, especially the search for illusionistic effects. Thus colourless glass was replaced by glass decorated with coloured threads while fantasy led to a product that was less and less functional - one created with purely ornamental aims. It was the chalice or goblet that exemplified the stylistic changes. In contrast to the preceding century, 'alette' (little winglike forms) were now applied to the stem, while the sometimes asymmetrical bowl was frequently decorated with fine chains.

The picture shows a winged goblet from the collection of the Museo dell'Arte Vetraria in Murano.