This compact but thorough volume examines the most innovative and elegant known examples of Roman mold-blown glass, providing a uniquely comprehensive, up-to-date study of these exceptional works. Included are some twenty-six remarkably preserved examples of drinking cups, bowls, and jugs signed by Ennion himself, as well as fifteen additional vessels that were clearly influenced by him. The informative texts and illustrations effectively convey the lasting aesthetic appeal of Ennion’s vessels, and offer an accessible introduction to an ancient art form that reached its apogee in the early decades of the Roman Empire.
Authors:
-Christopher S. Lightfoot is Curator of Roman Art at The Metropolitan
Museum of Art.
-Zrinka Buljevic is Museum Advisor for the Archaeological Museum in
Split, Croatia.
-Yael Israeli is Senior Curator for Archaeology and Ancient Glass at the
Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
-Karol B. Wight is Executive Director of The Corning Museum of Glass in
Corning, New York.
-Mark T. Wypyski is Research Scientist in the Department of Scientific
Research at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This catalogue is a must for everybody who loves glass art.
With a Directors Foreword by Thomas P. Campbell, Director of the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, who explains why this collection is such a treasure of mold-blown tableware signed by the master craftsman Ennion -the most skilled exponent of the mold-blowing technique in the first Century a.d.- the book follows with an essay as Preface by Carlos A. Picón Curator in Charge, Department of Greek and Roman Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art. With maps, drawings and wonderful good photos through out the book, Christopher S. Lightfoot wrote the chapter Ennion and the History of Ancient Glass, describing who Ennion was and what his influence. The Mold-Blowing Process is well described by Karol B. Wight and Ennion and the chapter Aristeas Glassware Found in the Roman Province of Dalmatia by Zrinka Buljevic, is followed by the catalogue pages where each item of the 42 jugs, bowls, beakers and cups, has a one-page photo and good textual explanation.
A book like a good book should be: made with all possible attention, exploring a beautiful collection with beautiful photos and a pleasure to read the story behind Ennion. I can’t wait to purchase this valuable addition to my library!
Angela van der Burght
