What did art historian Hallie Meredith discover at the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Hallie Meredith, an art historian and glassblower, discovered hidden makers' marks on ancient Roman cage cups, revealing a collaborative production process involving teams of artisans.

How did Meredith's expertise as a glassblower contribute to her research?

Meredith's practical experience in glassblowing provided rare insight into the challenges of shaping molten glass, informing her academic approach to understanding ancient craftsmanship.

What is the significance of Meredith's findings for our understanding of ancient Roman glass production?

Meredith's research challenges the traditional narrative of solitary master artisans, instead showing that Roman glass vessels were the result of a collaborative effort by teams of skilled craftsmen.

Home / Science / Artisan Marks Unveil Collaborative Nature of Ancient Roman Glass Production

Artisan Marks Unveil Collaborative Nature of Ancient Roman Glass Production

14 Nov

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Summary

Art historian uncovers makers' marks on 1,500-year-old Roman glass vessels
Marks reveal collaborative workshops, not individual masters
Glassblowing expertise provides rare insight into ancient craftsmanship

Artisan Marks Unveil Collaborative Nature of Ancient Roman Glass Production

In a groundbreaking development, art historian Hallie Meredith has uncovered a hidden history of ancient Roman glassware at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Meredith, a professor at Washington State University and a practiced glassblower, discovered intricate makers' marks on the reverse side of Roman cage cups, a type of delicate glass vessel dating back to 300-500 CE.

What had long been dismissed as mere decoration, Meredith's research reveals, are in fact signature emblems of the workshops and artisans responsible for these exquisite creations. By tracing these symbols across similar Roman glass pieces, Meredith has unveiled a visual language shared by craftsmen between the fourth and sixth centuries CE.