Top 14 of 2014

New Year’s Eve always makes me think of silver, gold and all that sparkles. The top 14 artworks viewed online at www.cmog.org this year could easily be added to that list of all that glitters, as many are stunning works by René Lalique on view in this year’s major exhibition René Lalique: Enchanted by Glass (through Jan 4). A few past favorites remain on the list, including Richard Marquis’ masterpiece Lord’s Prayer Murrina (94.4.111) and the Roman cage cup (87.1.1). I predict next year there might be more contemporary pieces on the list, since our new North Wing galleries will open on March 20, 2015, but this year’s list shows a fantastic mix from ancient Roman to mid-20th century. Let’s take a look!

14. Vessel shaped like a Bird, Roman Empire, 1-99. 66.1.223.

13. Paperweight with Roses, Cristallerie de Clichy, Clichy France, about 1845-1855. Gift of the Honorable and Mrs. Amory Houghton, 78.3.124.

12. Cage Cup, Roman Empire, about 300. Purchased with funds from the Arthur Rubloff Residuary Trust, 87.1.1.

11.Corner Cabinet with Reverse-Painted Glass Doors, Piero Fornasetti and Gio Ponti for Fontana d’Arte, Milan, Italy, 1941. 92.3.74. (Detail pictured)

10. Bouchon mûres (Berry stopper), René Lalique, Combs-la-Ville, France, designed in 1920. Gift of Elaine and Stanford Steppa, 2011.3.250.

9. Perruches (Parakeets), René Lalique, Combs-la-Ville, France, designed in 1919. Gift of Elaine and Stanford Steppa, 2011.3.209.

8. The Morgan Cup, Roman Empire, probably Italy, 1-99. Gift of Arthur A. Houghton, Jr., 52.1.93.

7. The Roll-Rite Glass Rolling Pin, Owens-Illinois, Inc., Toledo, OH, 1960-1969. Gift of Arlene H. Kucharski, 2007.4.33.

6. Etruscan Chair, Danny Lane, London, England, 1992. Purchased with the assistance of Emanuel and Phyllis Lacher and Sarah M. Hasson, 94.2.7.

5. Lord’s Prayer Murrina, Richard Marquis, Chico, CA, 1971-1972. Gift of the artist, 94.4.111.

4. Chess Set, Gianni Toso, Venice, Italy, about 1981. 81.3.125.

3. Suzanne, René Lalique, France, possibly Wingen-sur-Moder or Combs-la-Ville, designed in 1925. Gift of Elaine and Stanford Steppa, 2011.3.256.

2. Oiseau de feu (Firebird), René Lalique, France, possibly Wingen-sur-Moder or Combs-la-Ville, designed in 1922. Gift of Elaine and Stanford Steppa, 2011.3.189.

And, the #1 object viewed online at www.cmog.org in 2014 was:

1. Tree of Life, Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago, IL, 1904. Clara S. Peck Endowment, 92.4.175.

Explore the collection and see what’s in store for 2015!