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“Rothschild Lycurgus Cup,” Roman Empire, Fourth Century; 16.5 cm high, rim 13.2 cm in diameter. Blown, cold-worked. Photo ©The Trustees of the British Museum.

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“The Great Tazza,” England, Amblecote, Thomas Webb and Sons, George Woodall, about 1889; 38.9 cm high. The Corning Museum of Glass, bequest of Juliette K. Rakow.

 

Revised for date

‘REFLECTING ANTIQUITY’ OPENS AT CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS w/2 cuts

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CORNING, N.Y. — The beauty of ancient Roman glass and its lasting impact on the modern glass industry is explored in “Reflecting Antiquity: Modern Glass Inspired by Ancient Rome,” on view at The Corning Museum of Glass through May 27. The exhibition was co-organized with the J. Paul Getty Museum.

“Reflecting Antiquity” examines the rediscovery of Roman glass and brings together 112 objects from more than 24 international lenders, featuring ancient Roman originals as well as the modern works they inspired. More than 70 objects come from the collection of The Corning Museum of Glass, reflecting the museum’s extensive collection of glass objects from all periods and cultures, the most comprehensive collection of glass in the world.

“Our collaboration with the J. Paul Getty Museum to develop this exhibition draws on the unique scholarship and collections of both of our institutions,” said David Whitehouse, executive director of The Corning Museum of Glass and exhibition co-curator.

“Uniting treasures from our extensive collection with objects from the Getty, and with other works rarely seen in the United States, this spectacular assemblage offers scholars and the general public alike a new perspective on the history of Roman glass and its influence on modern production.”

The exhibition is co-curated by David Whitehouse, executive director of The Corning Museum of Glass, and Karol Wight, curator of antiquities for the J. Paul Getty Museum.

“This exhibition allows us to demonstrate the relevance of the ancient world in the art throughout history, including modern times,” said Michael Brand, director of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Many of the objects on view rarely travel for exhibition and some are being presented in the United States for the first time. The exhibition includes works on loan from a distinguished group of international museums: The British Museum; the Romisch-Germanisches Museum, Cologne; the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna; the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris; the Museo del Vetro, Murano; and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, as well as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Yale University Art Gallery, among many others.

Exhibition highlights include rare examples of ancient Roman originals showcased alongside modern works inspired by ancient forms and techniques.

Cage cups, vessels with three-dimensional open decoration, include the Fourth Century “Rothschild Lycurgus Cup” from The British Museum, featuring an openwork frieze representing the death of Lycurgus, a mythical Thracian king, as well as cage cups from Corning’s collection and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Examples of original Roman mosaic glass, include a First Century BC–First Century AD “dish” from the Getty’s collection and the unusual “Patella Cup” from Corning’s collection with face canes embedded in the bottom of the cup. Lustrous modern imitations from the studios of Murano complement the ancient works.

Examples of Roman cameo glass include the 25 BC–AD 24 “Auldjo Jug” from the British Museum and a perfume flask from the Getty, along with multiple 1870s replicas of the Portland vase from Corning’s collection.

Imitation of Venetian Renaissance originals are presented with the 1878 copy of the “Coppa Barovier” and a delicate circa 1870–80 covered winged goblet from Corning’s collections.

Gold glass is represented by the Fourth Century “Disch Cantharus,” as well as a late Nineteenth Century Venetian imitation, both from Corning’s collections.

The exhibition is accompanied by a 240-page catalog of the same name. For information, www.cmog.org or 607-937-5371.