128. Glass with views of St. Petersburg. Imperial Glass Factory. Russia, 19th century.

A rare museum glass made of colorless crystal, made at the Imperial Glass Factory in St. Petersburg in the first half of the 19th century. The product is an example of the highest quality of artistic glassmaking, corresponding to the standards of court life of the Russian Empire. The cylindrical body is installed on an elegant faceted leg and a wide round sole with a relief edge stylized as a pie crust - a characteristic feature of ceremonial glass of the 19th century. The upper part is decorated with a highly artistic engraving depicting the Alexander Column against the background of the General Staff Arch on Palace Square in St. Petersburg. The composition is framed with garlands and laurel branches - symbols of imperial glory. The engraving is made with exceptional finesse and precision, typical of gift and anniversary products of the Imperial Glass Factory. The lower part of the body is decorated with a deep diamond facet in the technique of the classic diamond pattern, giving the glass optical depth and a complex play of light. Due to the theme and level of execution, the glass was probably intended for representative needs, or was part of a ceremonial service made for formal receptions. Dimensions: Height: 13.2 cm, diameter of the upper part 7.8 cm, diameter of the lower part 7.6 cm. Materials: Colorless crystal, hand engraving, diamond grinding. Hallmarks: None (which is typical for a number of products of the factory before the beginning of the 20th century).