Georgian PAIX (PEACE) Engraved Light Baluster Glass c1750

Technical Description 

A rare Georgian wine glass dating to the mid-18th century and with the capacity of a large goblet. This is a Newcastle light baluster, an English glass that is very likely engraved in the Netherlands or alternatively engraved in England and intended for export to the Dutch. An impressive and fine quality engraving of PAIX (PEACE) personified and sitting among allegorical motifs. The embodiment of peace is surrounded by a full military showing of banners, drums, weapons and armour, the ‘goddess’ holds an olive branch in one hand and a tied bundle of 7 arrows in the other.

A pointed round funnel bowl rests upon a baluster stem that exhibits two hollow knops above an inverted baluster which contains a long drawn air tear. The glass has a large conical foot with a folded rim.

The inclusion of militaria and the tied bundle of arrows are both unorthodox depictions. ‘Peace’ is typically personified as having a more reserved and ethereal nature with perhaps a torch, dove, halo or the odd sword and then set on a pedestal or among nature. Understanding this representation is to understand how the Dutch viewed their nation, a collection of ‘Seven United Provinces’ brought together after the Spanish War of Succession which involved most of Western Europe beginning in 1700 and ending in 1714. The Dutch provinces did not so much see themselves as a national empire but rather as a great trading empire, taking pride in their vast economic activity and proven military capacity. Dutch peace came with an air of earned authority that was not to be trifled with, and evidentially they were not shy about it. The tied bundle of sticks is an ancient emblem spanning many cultures, most notably in the form of roman facses that can be found as far as the Lincon memorial. A facses symbol (tied bundle) in this case it is a rather appropriate iconography that portrays power, justice, and strength through unity. Each of the arrows is representative of each province and can be seen reflected in the Seven Provinces Coat of Arms.

Comments

Interestingly, in 1756, which is around the time this glass was produced, the ‘La Paix’ Masonic lodge was founded in Amsterdam. The lodge operated for several years under the name 'De Vreede', La Paix means ‘the peace’ in French and De Vereede means the same in Dutch. A notable choice when it is also noted that the allegorical personification of Peace, in this case, is very much more representative of the French aesthetic style. This could be seen as an adoption and appreciation of the French style in its most earnest, perhaps commissioned by someone sympathetic to the style, or more controversially, an integration that signifies Dutch triumph, mockingly stating ‘we are the true power, see how we make your idols our own’. La Paix is known as a founding lodge and one of ten lodges that took part in the election of a Grand Master on 26 December 1756 – An event regarded as the establishment (or restoration) of the Grand Lodge of the Seven United Netherlands.

Date & Origin 

England, c1750

Condition

There is a chip between the two hollow knops, which is an unfortunate knock from its past. The glass and bowl are perfectly stable and the chip easily missed. However, we have been lucky, for had that knock been a few cm higher it would have hit and shattered the bowl, and we would have lost this wonderful tall glass forever.  Worthy of inclusion in any collection.

Dimensions 

Height: 23.7cm Bowl Diameter: 9.1cm Foot diameter: 10.3cm