Tumbler

1670

Tumbler, 1670. Attributed to Johann Schaper (German, 1635–1670). Glass; overall: 7.4 x 6.4 cm (2 15/16 x 2 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.554 Johann Schaper (1621-1670) was a German painter of stained glass, mainly working in Nuremberg and Regensberg, who later turned to decorating glass and ceramics from his home, typical of artisans in the 17th century (hausmaler). His style was mainly a linear one in the manner of engravings, and often he worked in black (schwarzlot) or dark colors. Schaper was so influential that other artisans tried to copy his technique, in which he scratched out details with a needle, with varying degrees of success. The fine details of the decoration on this tumbler were achieved by scratching away the enamel with a needle.