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Muses
Muses

Muses

Object NameCameo Vase
Engraver George Woodall (English, 1850-1925)
Engraver Thomas Woodall (English, 1849-1926)
Manufacturer Thomas Webb and Sons (f. 1837)
Made FromLead Glass
Dateabout 1885
Place MadeEngland, Amblecote
TechniqueBlown, Overlaid, Etched, Cameo-carved
SizeOverall H: 19.8 cm, Diam: 10.8 cm
Accession Number89.2.12
Credit LineGift of Juliette K. Rakow in memory of Leonard S. Rakow
Curatorial Area(s)
Exhibitions
Woodall Cameo Millenium
Cameo Glass: Masterpieces from 2000 Years of Glassmaking
On ViewThe Jerome and Lucille Strauss Study Gallery
Interpretive Notes
The Muses is decorated with five standing figures, more than are shown on any other Woodall composition apart from Moorish Bathers (see 92.2.10). These figures are five of the nine Muses: Euterpe (the Muse of the flute and lyric poetry), Erato (the Muse of love poetry), Terpsichore (the Muse of dancing and choral song), Clio (the Muse of history), and Thalia (the Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry). The designer (perhaps George Woodall) made a complete hash of the iconography. Euterpe is shown with a lyre instead of flutes, Thalia has flutes instead of a comic mask, and Clio holds a lyre instead of a scroll. (see George and Thomas Woodall, 92.2.10, and cameo glass in Stourbridge (89.2.11).
Physical DescriptionOpaque white, amethyst lead glasses; blown, overlaid, etched, cameo-carved. Tall, ovoid shape; with flared rim and waisted neck; white overlay on amethyst; the white carved to create a stylized border of foliage and flowers on the neck; sides with five full-length female figures, one playing pipes identified as "THALIA," another with a lyre identified as "CLIO," another with billowing dress identified as "TERPSICHORE," another holding a head in one hand, a spear in the other, identified as "ERATO," and the fifth with a harp identified as "EUTERPE"; figures separated by pendant foliage and growing plants; the identities of the Muses in a band below the figures; acanthus leaves and stylized foliage border below; foot rim ground flat, with acid-etched inscription "- T & G WOODALL. DES & SCULPS."; ground concave pontil mark, with acid-etched inscription " THOMAS WEBB & SONS" in an arc, above "GEM / CAMEO."
Provenance
Source Estate of Juliette K. (Mrs. Leonard S.) Rakow (d. 1992) - 1989-06-07

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