Winterfeldt

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Object Name: 
Engraved Goblet
Title: 
Winterfeldt
Accession Number: 
2011.3.91
Dimensions: 
Overall H: 20.7 cm, Diam (max): 10.4 cm
Location: 
Not on Display
Date: 
about 1750-1760
Web Description: 
This goblet was made as a commemorative glass, and its inscription refers to the Prussian military commander General Hans Carl von Winterfeldt (1707–1757) and his famous regiment. Winterfeldt was born into an aristocratic family in northern Germany. In 1720, he entered the regiment of his uncle, a major general in the Prussian army. His strategic thinking and soldiery led to his recognition by Frederick William I (1688– 1740), whom he served until the king’s death, and he then began his highly regarded military career under King Frederick II (the Great, 1712–1786). Winterfeldt died while serving in the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763). The engraving alludes to Winterfeldt’s close friendship with Frederick, as well as his patriotic allegiance to Germany. One side of the bowl is decorated with a vase inscribed “Vivat / Das Regiment / v. Winterfeld [sic]” ([Long] live the regiment of Winterfeld), while the other side is engraved “uni” above a pedestal showing the words “Pro / Patria” (For the fatherland). Atop this pedestal, and making it look like an altar, are two flaming hearts, inscribed “Carel” and “Fredri,” nicknames for Carl and Frederick. While the engraved inscription on this goblet clearly refers to Winterfeldt’s regiment and his commitment to the unification of the German empire, the text alludes to his friendship with the king in a more metaphorical way. The two burning hearts, a common allegorical device at that time, contain the names of Carl and Frederick in a visual representation typically applied to display the love of married couples. The all-surmounting “uni,” then, seems to refer both to the German states and to the two friends. For this type of glass, see Robert Schmidt, Brandenburgische Gläser, Berlin: Verlag für Kunstwissenschaft, 1914, pp. 93–103 and figs. 39, 45, and 46.
Department: 
Provenance: 
Fischer, Jurgen, Source
2011-04-14
Color: 
Material: 
Inscription: 
“Vivat / Das Regiment / v. Winterfeld
inscription
Engraved on bowl
uni / Carel Fredri! / Pro / Patria
inscription`
Engraved on bowl
V. Swellengrebel Fec + / =
signature
Engraved on bowl
Primary Description: 
Colorless glass; blown, hot-worked, diamond-point engraved. Conical goblet with solid stem that tapers in towards conical foot; stem contains seven airtrap inclusions. The bowl is signed “V. Swellengrebel Fec + / =”, surmounted by an engraved vase showing the “Vivat / Das Regiment / v. Winterfeld”, the reverse decorated with a the word “uni” above a pedestal showing the words “Pro / Patria”, surmounted with two flaming hearts, inscribed “Carel” and “Fredri!”. The rim is decorated with a floral garland.
The Corning Museum of Glass Annual Report 2011 (2012) p. 7;
The Corning Museum of Glass: Notable Acquisitions 2011 (2012) illustrated, p. 18; BIB# AI87745
Europaisches Glas & Studioglas. Teil 1 (2011) illustrated, #109; BIB# 121415