Bottle and glass vases and crystal faceted, found in Pompeii 

Curator: The "Bottle and glass vases and crystal faceted, found in Pompeii," print by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, offers us a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman material culture. What strikes you about this image? Editor: I’m intrigued by the precision of the engraving, especially considering they are depicting glass, which is typically more free-flowing. How does that relate to the piece's overall meaning? Curator: Excellent point! Notice the sharp lines and detailed faceting of the crystal goblets. Piranesi isn’t just documenting; he's highlighting the labor involved in shaping these materials. The process of transforming raw materials into luxury goods becomes a focal point, reflecting Roman society's consumption and the skill of its artisans. What do you make of the inclusion of both glass and crystal? Editor: Maybe the contrast shows different levels of craft or wealth in Pompeii? Curator: Precisely. Crystal, requiring more skilled labor for cutting and faceting, likely signified a higher status. Think about the social implications of access to these objects. Who would have owned these, and what did owning them signify? Editor: I guess only wealthy Romans would be able to acquire those. That puts the spotlight on the economic stratification of the city, right? It almost feels like the artist is trying to freeze that moment for later observers. Curator: Exactly! Piranesi uses his engraving to document a particular moment in material history and comment on the production and consumption patterns of a society frozen in time. What began as simple illustration work of found vessels blossoms into deep societal reflection! Editor: I hadn't thought about the work as a means to tell an entire story, or to bring socioeconomic structures into sharper relief. That definitely makes the picture more rich for me! Curator: Indeed. Looking closely at the process and the materiality opens up a new level of interpretation that moves it beyond mere historical artifact!