Goblet c. 1720

This is a clear glass goblet made by Franz Gondelach, a glass cutter active in Germany around the turn of the 18th century. The goblet’s form and decoration give us a glimpse into the social and political history of the period. Note the elaborate crest and crown etched into the side. These details indicate that this goblet was likely commissioned by or for someone of noble status. Glassware of this quality would have been a luxury item, reserved for the wealthy elite. Seventeenth and eighteenth-century Europe was a world of strict social hierarchies. Objects like this goblet served not only a practical purpose but also as symbols of power and prestige. By studying such objects, we as historians can learn about the values, tastes, and social structures of the time. Researchers consult archival records, period inventories, and other historical sources to better understand the artwork. These contexts help us to understand how power and status were displayed and reinforced through material culture.