Standing cup 1700 - 1715

This standing cup was crafted in Germany by Georg Friedrich Killinger in the 17th or 18th century. During this period, the rise of artisanal craftsmanship coincided with rigid social hierarchies. Fine glassware like this wasn't just functional; it was a potent symbol of wealth, status, and power. Notice the intricate, pastoral scene etched into the glass. It evokes a vision of idyllic life, removed from the realities of the working class. The cup's fragility and ornate design speak to the values of the elite, where display and refinement were paramount. Killinger, as an artist, was both a creator and a reflector of these values. Consider how an object like this was part of shaping social identities and hierarchies. It's a reminder that even everyday objects can reveal the complex interplay between art, identity, and society.