Images(3)

vase

Object NameVase with Centaurs and Female Satyrs

Series

Twenty-Seven Artists in Crystal

Designer Paul Manship (American, 1885-1966)

Maker Steuben Glass, Inc. (1903-)

Made FromLead Glass

Datedesigned in 1939

Place MadeUnited States, NY, Corning

TechniqueBlown, engraved

SizeOverall H: 36.9 cm, Diam (max): 23.3 cm

Accession Number89.4.34

Credit LineGift of Harry W. and Mary M. Anderson in memory of Carl G. and Borghild M. Anderson and Paul E. and Louise Wheeler

Curatorial Area(s)

Modern

Exhibitions

Twenty-Seven Contemporary Artists

Glass and Glamour: Steuben's Modern Moment, 1930-1960

Curious and Curiouser: Surprising Finds from the Rakow Library

Not On View

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

This vase was one of the Steuben designs presented in the 1940 exhibition, “Twenty-seven Contemporary Artists.” Manship was an American sculptor who served for many years as chairman of the Smithsonian Art Commission. His work typically reflects themes inspired by classical mythology. Although the centaur is a well-known classical figure, the female satyr does not appear in ancient art.

Physical DescriptionVase with Centaurs and Female Satyrs. From the Steuben series "Twenty-Seven Artists in Crystal." Colorless lead glass; blown, engraved. Tall cylindrical vessel with short, straight collared neck, fire-polished lipless rim; six solid small spheres regularly spaced placed around shoulder, curved base of vessel rests on a duplicate set of six spheres with bases polished flat to form resting points; mid-section of body engraved with three scenes; (1) (with signature) centaur (on right) facing mythological pastiche of figure with human female upper body and hoofed animal hind legs, one arm is raised over her head, the other holds a flowering branch, ground is suggested by three flowers; (2) galloping centaur with outstretched legs, female riding astride back, small rabbit and three flowers in foreground; (3) centaur rearing on hind legs, viewed from rear, arms raised holding infant "faun", flowers in background and foreground; polished pontil; inscribed in script on polished pontil: "Steuben 1939/5-5"; replica of designer's signature below scene of centaur and female facing one another: "Paul Manship".
Provenance

Source Mary M. Anderson

Source Harry W. Anderson