An unusual engraved glass goblet, St. Petersburg Glassworks, 1760s

conical on a spreading base, the stem formed as two faceted 'apples' with spiralling ruby threads, the body engraved with two rocaille cartouches surmounted with the Imperial crown, one with the Imperial arms and flanked by martial trophies, the other with a portrait bust of Catherine II

There are some remnants of cold painting in the engraving, otherwise the glass is in apparent good condition consistent with age.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The offered goblets (lots 599-601) are among superb examples of Russian 18^th century glassware and belong to the most prestigious category of production – figurative works featuring royal insignia.

Produced early in the Catherine II's reign, lot 599 is the rarest and most interesting of the present group. Stylistically beginning of the 1760s was a transient period when Baroque style, dominant during the time of Elizabeth Petrovna, was being gradually replaced with Neoclassical, favoured by Catherine II. This is evident in the goblet's design, which combines filigree stem and arched faceted décor of 1740s with lavish ornamental engraving characteristic of 1760s. The portrait of the Empress adorning the goblet has been worked on the glass in such a way as to echo the most famous depiction of Catherine at the time, the source of which can be found on coins of the day. During this period, from the mid 1740s to the mid 1770s, St. Petersburg engravers focused their attention on creating magnificent presentational goblets thus marking the highpoint of glass-engraving in Russia.

Lot 600 featuring the monogram of Empress Elizabeth I is an unusual example of rival to the Imperial Glass factory, Maltzov Glassworks. Founded in 1724 by Vasily Maltzov the operation quickly expanded and by the end of the 18^th century the Maltzov 'glass empire' consisted of fifteen different enterprises spread all over Russia. The work of these factories was unique in the high quality of the glass they used as well as superb craftsmanship of the engraving and polishing with majority of their engraved produce being made to order. Maltzov clients were mostly from the aristocracy or merchant classes favoured toasts and scenes from various popular publications, especially the frequently republished almanac Symbols and Emblems. Like other known glasses, the offered lot skilfully engraved with the national crest and Imperial monogram was possibly made for a special occasion, for instance when the Moltzovs had to present examples of their work to the Manufaktur-Kollegium. 

The last glass of this group, lot 601 was made in the last quarter of the 18^th century during which time the St. Petersburg Glassworks belonged 'in perpetuity' to Prince Potemkin and his descendants. Thanks to its elegant form, the symbolic meaning of its decoration, the exquisite rendering of the design and the richness of the ornamentation, this technically flawless goblet can be seen as a truly representative masterpiece of its time. Many similar examples of this so-called 'tableware' glassware made by Imperial glassworkers and featuring portraits and monograms is found in museums, but is now rarely seen in the antiques market.

We are grateful to Elena Smirnova, Curator of Glass at the State Historical Museum, Moscow, for her help with research of lots 599-601.


If you would like to receive the Russian translation of the catalogue note, please contact the department on +44 (0)207 293 5576.