Glass 1935 - 1942

Vincent Burzy created this ‘Glass’ object using graphite and colored pencil sometime during his lifetime, which spanned from 1855 to 1995. The image presents an interesting case study for how we ascribe meaning to everyday objects. Looking at the blue glass, it appears like it could be something mass-produced, perhaps intended for use in a domestic setting. Burzy’s choice to render it in graphite and colored pencil elevates it to a subject worthy of artistic attention. Was this glass an item in his household? Was he drawn to its design? As historians, it’s important to consider the social and economic factors that shape the production and consumption of these objects. By studying objects like this, we can gain a deeper understanding of the values and tastes of a particular time and place. Further research could reveal more about the history of glassmaking, the industrial context in which objects like this were produced, and the role they played in people's lives.