1985.R.194, Footed Server, Venice, Italy, 17th century

This footed salver was produced in large numbers by Venetian glasshouses, and the striped decoration on the top surface is characteristic of Venetian work. This type of ornament is known as verto a retorti or "glass with twists." Developed during the Renaissance, the style remained popular through the 18th century, It is made by applying glass canes with opaque glass twists to the clear glass. As the hot glass is worked, the round canes are flattened into the surface to form the pattern. In this example, canes of solid color were also used to achieve a pattern of alternating stripes.

While footed salvers were used to hold food of various kinds, they could also be used to elevate other vessels too. For example, they are known to have held sets of glasses. 

Dallas Museum of Art, Decorative Arts Highlights from the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection (Dallas, Texas: Dallas Museum of Art, 1995), 75.

Until 1985: Emery Reves (1904-1983) and Wendy Reves (1916-2007) (owned jointly), La Pausa, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France [1]

From 1985: Dallas Museum of Art, The Wendy and Emery Reves Collection, gift of Wendy Reves (1916-2007) [1]

[1] According to: Olivier Meslay and Martha MacLeod, From Chanel to Reves (Dallas, Texas: Dallas Museum of Art, 2015), 4-5.

Apply to objects where number equals 1985.R.194