Wine glass with a putto of peace c. 1795

This delicate wine glass features an etched design of a putto of peace. The anonymous artisan skillfully employed the transparency of the glass to create a dual effect, a physical object with an ethereal overlay. The putto, a symbol of peace, is rendered with fine lines, its figure emerging gently from the cloud on which it sits. The artist has carefully controlled the etching to evoke a sense of lightness, contrasting the solid form of the glass with the intangible concept of peace. Semiotically, the image operates on several levels. The putto itself is a cultural signifier for innocence and tranquility, while the act of engraving suggests permanence, contrasting with the fragility of both peace and glass. Consider how the design is not merely decorative but also an integral part of the glass's structure. This integration of form and symbol transforms the glass into a contemplative object. This blending suggests a dialogue between material and idea, a hallmark of how art objects can embody and communicate complex cultural values.