Beaker 1814

This glass beaker was made by Samuel Mohn in the early 19th century. Its surface is adorned with precise, almost graphic, decorations. A black silhouette of a military figure in profile, set against a vibrant yellow oval, immediately captures your attention. The composition adheres to a structured formality. Note how the sharp contrast between the black silhouette and the gold backdrop creates a striking visual tension. The leafy wreath encircling the top edge, and the one framing the portrait, introduce a softer, more organic element, yet they remain controlled within the beaker's cylindrical form. Mohn’s work reflects a broader cultural interest in portraiture and symbolism. The silhouette, a popular form of representation at the time, reduces the individual to essential shapes and lines. The beaker is an exercise in controlled ornamentation. It balances the precision of neoclassical aesthetics with personal and political representation.