Bowl 1835 - 1850

This bowl was crafted by Cristalleries de Saint-Louis, though we don't have the exact date of its creation. It's a delicate piece, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a historian, I'm intrigued by what seemingly simple objects can tell us about their time. Saint-Louis, a renowned French glassmaker, produced luxury items that reflected the opulence and refined tastes of their clientele. This bowl, with its intricate patterns and delicate form, speaks to the social rituals of dining and display in a specific era. Consider the time and place it was made. Was it commissioned for a wealthy family? What kind of social events would it have been used for? Understanding the context in which this bowl existed – the social norms, the economic structures, and the artistic trends of its time – helps us appreciate its deeper significance. Resources like historical archives, design catalogs, and social histories can help us understand the context of an artwork. Ultimately, interpreting art involves understanding the complex interplay between artistic creation and the social and institutional forces that shape it.