Beaker with Hares Executing Hunters

Place of OriginGermany, probably Nuremberg

DateLast quarter of the 17th century

DimensionsH: 6.5 cm (2 9/16 in.); Rim Diam: 6.5 cm ( 2 9/16 in. )

MediumColorless glass with brownish tinge; blown, enameled

ClassificationGlass

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1950.37

On View

Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion (2444 Monroe Street), Glass Pavilion Gallery, 4

DescriptionPainted with themes of rabbits leading men to the gallows

Label TextThe two scenes decorating this vessel depict “The Revenge of the Hares” and were probably inspired by popular 16th-century prints. On one side, two hares armed with lances lead a captive human hunter, his hands tied behind his back. The opposite side shows the hares as executioners, one pointing at the hunter hanging from the gallows, while the other reaches for him from a ladder, possibly to cut down the victim. Such images of the “world turned upside down” were exceedingly popular in Germany after the Protestant Reformation, clothing a critical commentary on political tyranny in the cloak of satire.Published ReferencesPage, Jutta-Annette, The Art of Glass: Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio, Toledo Museum of Art, 2006, p. 108-109, repr. (col.) fig. 44C, p. 109.Exhibition HistoryNew York, Steuben Glass Gallery, Glass animals, 1988. [no catalog or checklist]