ENNION. MASTER OF ROMAN GLASS

Among glass craftsmen active in the first century A.D., the most famous and gifted was Ennion, who came from the coastal city of Sidon in modern Lebanon. Ennion’s glass stood out for its quality and popularity, and his products are distinguished by the fine detail and precision of their relief decoration, which imitates designs found on contemporary silverware.

This publication 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.  

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(12/09/14–04/13/15)

The Corning Museum of Glass
(05/15/15–10/19/15)

Christopher S. Lightfoot is curator of Roman art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.