Biedermeier Souvenir Glass, With Translucent Enamel Decoration, Circa 1840

A fine flared glass beaker (Ranftbecher type),
resting on a cut star-shaped base with a faceted gilt foot ring.

The body, decorated with gilt frames on sepia enamel grounds,
features a view of the Imperial Chancellery square in Vienna,
painted in miniature with numerous figures and horse-drawn carriages within a richly detailed architectural setting.

Cartouche with inscription (“Am Hof”).
The rim is bevelled and gilt, without chips.

Very good overall condition, with little or no wear;
a slight irregularity in the polishing of the star-cut base should be noted.

Anton Kothgasser (Austrian, 1769–1851) made this type of glassware famous, and it was widely imitated.

This example is most likely Bohemian, of good period, circa 1840,
as suggested by the somewhat rustic execution of the central miniature
and the rather concise inscription (“Am Hof”), which is usually more elaborate on the finest Viennese pieces.

Height: 12.2 cm
Diameter: 8.5 cm
Weight: 320 g