Beaker c. 19th century

This clear glass beaker was made by J. & L. Lobmeyr, a glassmaking firm based in Vienna, Austria. The cut-glass decoration, with its stylized floral and avian motifs, may appear merely decorative, but we might ask what the public role of such an object might have been. The Lobmeyr firm was founded in 1823 and became known for high-quality glass tableware. In the nineteenth century, drinking glasses and decanters became potent symbols of middle-class affluence. As industrial production made such items more accessible, they became important markers of social status. Consider, too, how the elaborate designs on glassware reflect broader artistic movements, such as the Vienna Secession. To truly understand this beaker, we'd need to examine trade catalogs, historical accounts of dining practices, and perhaps even novels that describe social gatherings. This would reveal how seemingly simple objects reflect complex social and cultural values.