Goblet c. 1760

Editor: We're looking at a beautiful glass Goblet, made around 1760 by the St. Petersburg Glass Factory. It's currently held at the Art Institute of Chicago. The detail is just exquisite – what really stands out to me is how delicate and ornate it seems. What can you tell us about it? Curator: It's important to recognize objects like this goblet not just as beautiful pieces but also as reflections of their social and political context. Glassware of this caliber signaled status. Think about Catherine the Great’s Russia; what kind of message does possessing something this delicate send in a rapidly modernizing empire with a huge divide between rich and poor? Editor: So, owning a piece like this wasn't just about having something pretty, it was a statement? Curator: Exactly! It's about visibility and access. Objects like this, commissioned and displayed, functioned as indicators of power, aligning owners with European artistic trends and reinforcing social hierarchies. We might ask who produced this? What did it cost? And what did its display communicate to visitors? Editor: It’s like saying "we’re part of this refined, global culture" while subtly reminding everyone of your wealth. Were there other ways glassware played a role in society back then? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the ritual of dining, toasts to political leaders, and even the symbolism embedded within the glass engravings themselves – emblems of state, family crests. This goblet likely had a place on a formal dining table or a display cabinet and would've been essential to elite social practices. Editor: So, more than just decoration, this goblet speaks volumes about power, status, and the public performance of wealth in 18th century Russia. It definitely provides an interesting context to understand the piece! Thanks. Curator: Indeed. It forces us to consider not just the aesthetics, but also the complex societal factors driving its creation and reception.