Compote

Christian Dorflinger

1855–60 · Cut and engraved glass · The American Wing

This compote is from the same larger luxury glass table service as a decanter and three drinking vessels in the collection (2015.459.1a,b; 2015.459.2-.4). The compote bears an engraved gothic style “H” in a carved shield on one of the alternating clear vertical panels. The service descended in the family of Johns Hopkins (1795–1873), prominent businessman, entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist of Baltimore, Maryland. Hopkins may have purchased the service for use in his country estate, Clifton, outside of Baltimore, which he extensively renovated into an Italianate mansion in 1858. It is known that he enjoyed entertaining there, welcoming family, friends and dignitaries, including the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). The glass is exceptionally well cut and designed, representing some of the best of independent glass cutting in the New York City area. The quality of the material is equally good, for which the Brooklyn Flint Glass Works was especially admired.

Artist

Christian Dorflinger

Date

1855–60

Medium

Cut and engraved glass

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Stuart P. Feld, 1969