Wine Glass c. 19th century

This delicate wine glass, crafted by J. & L. Lobmeyr, speaks volumes about the social rituals and cultural values associated with dining and entertaining. Let’s consider how the form and decoration of this seemingly simple object create meaning. The clear glass, the elegant shape, and the etched floral motifs all point to a culture of refinement and luxury. This piece likely originates from 19th-century Austria, a time of burgeoning industrialization and social stratification. Lobmeyr, as a company, catered to the Austro-Hungarian elite, providing them with objects that symbolized their status and wealth. This wine glass provides a window into the social hierarchies of the time. By consulting historical sources, such as design catalogs, company records, and social histories, we can better understand the values and aspirations of the society that produced and consumed such objects.