Urn 1788 - 1795

Editor: So this "Urn," crafted from glass between 1788 and 1795 by the New Bremen Glass Manufactory, feels simultaneously delicate and grand. Its simple, classical shape is really appealing. What catches your eye? Curator: The production of glass itself speaks volumes. This isn't just an object; it's a product of skilled labor, complex chemical processes, and access to specific resources. I see the value of craftsmanship embedded in each curve. Did this urn serve a utilitarian purpose or was it merely decorative? Editor: That's a good question. I'm not sure about its specific function. But what does its Neoclassical style tell us about the socio-economic climate of the time? Curator: The adoption of Neoclassicism by New Bremen suggests aspirations to elevate American manufacturing. By emulating European high art, they were striving for respectability. Were they successful? What materials did they import, and what were sourced locally? This affects how we understand their supply chains. Editor: I never thought of it in terms of trade and resources, but that's fascinating. Seeing how they literally constructed a social image using this fragile material… it is more complex than I originally assumed. Curator: Exactly. Think about the fuel, the labor conditions, even the types of goods they might have originally tried to imitate. A close look at materials exposes the broader economy. We’ve really unearthed a lot by digging deeper into the 'how' of it all. Editor: Yes, I’ve certainly started to reconsider glass. This changed how I'll look at art forever. Thank you.