Fragile, translucent and nearly weightless, the fabulous private collection of ancient Roman glass is a wonderful example of the glassmakers’ skill. Colors range from pale blue-green natural glass, to rich amber, to deep cobalt blue that appears nearly black unless lit. Even more alluring is the iridescence; a thin layer of corrosion that develops on glass after it has been buried for centuries. This thin veil takes on the color of the glass itself and has a silvery, reflective quality that creates a luminous, nearly shimmering effect. It adds to the mystery and charm of the glass, and has enormous visual appeal.
Initially assembled by Washington D.C. socialite Miss Isobel H. Lenman (1845 - 1931), the collection was loaned to the Smithsonian, Washington D.C., from 1916 where it was displayed and admired at the museum until her death in 1931. Comprising mainly of everyday items used for toilette and table, this fascinating collection provides a wonderful array of vessels and bowls used by nearly every level of Roman society in a rainbow of sumptuous colors. These fragile glass vessels are the unlikely survivors of floods, volcanic eruptions and wars - not to mention ubiquitous human clumsiness! Now, after nearly 70 years, this wondrously enduring collection has been rediscovered and is ready to dazzle us once more.