Shape of Merese at Bottom of Stem

Renaissance

Usually has a tubular upper portion to better grip the stem; merese is often sculpted to enhance the form of the stem

detail of goblet feet with merese — FIG. 63

A selection of 16th–17th-century goblets in The Corning Museum of Glass collection, showing the characteristic shape of the merese at the bottom of the stem. Left to right, top to bottom: 79.3.212, 2000.3.11, 2009.3.85, 2009.3.86, 79.3.453, and 2000.3.10.

19th Century

Usually localized at the tip of the stem; usually purely functional in appearance

wineglass with colorless, white, green, and gold non-lead glass — FIG. 62

Venetian goblet made after 1860, showing increase in wall thickness of lowermost stem, where the diameter is reduced; also showing “chicken-leg” form of stem, and attachment of foot to edge of merese. The Corning Museum of Glass (66.3.64).