The Fragile Art: Extraordinary Objects from The Corning Museum of Glass
On ViewEuropean Gallery
Interpretive Notes
This group was probably commissioned by a supporter of the French royal family. It was made one year after the beginning of the revolution.
Physical DescriptionOpaque white glass; lampworked, enameled, assembled, with gilded wooden base. The scene depicts Marie-Antoinette sacrificing her heart on the alter of the state within the ruins of a Greek temple. The figure of Marie-Antoinette carries her winged golden heart in her right hand, with her left hand out to her side, and walks towards a small decorated alter where two golden hearts are sitting. She is surrounded by a number of broken columns and architectural elements. In the back are two complete columns supporting a lintel with illegible text. Near the alter on the right are three small white birds, two books lying to the left, and a small seated cherub figure holding a shield with a design of the Royal monogram. Various small plants are depicted throughout the scene and the ground is made up of numerous broken and ground glass pieces and bits representing gravel and stone. The entire scene sits on a footed gilded base with a plaque on the front center. See Inscriptions for exact wording. Provenance
