Shakespeare Tazza
1 of 3
Object Label
This meticulously crafted tazza (a cup on a pedestal) was part of a series designed and made by John Northwood to celebrate English accomplishments in the arts and sciences. The series included depictions of John Flaxman, the famous English Neoclassical sculptor; the scientist Sir Isaac Newton; and William Shakespeare. (A fourth, in honor of James Watt, the Scottish engineer, was never executed.) The three tazzas, preserved at the Corning Museum of Glass, were first shown in 1882; this shorter tazza was presumably made soon after. The decoration was made by a combination of acid etching and hand-carving.
Caption
John Northwood (English, 1836–1902). Shakespeare Tazza, ca. 1882. Glass, 4 x 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (10.2 x 24.1 x 24.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Kamholtz, 1994.203. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Maker
Title
Shakespeare Tazza
Date
ca. 1882
Medium
Glass
Classification
Dimensions
4 x 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (10.2 x 24.1 x 24.1 cm)
Signatures
not signed
Inscriptions
no inscriptions
Markings
no marks
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Kamholtz
Accession Number
1994.203
Frequent Art Questions
What is a tazza?
A tazza is a shallow glass on a high foot. Tazzas are a form common to the Italian renaissance.In general, a tazza would be used for serving sweetmeats or wine.
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