Who “made” the artifact? 

The Romans first discovered that vision could be manipulated through glass, but it wasn’t until 13th-century Italy where functional glasses bound in wood or leather were created. Their usage grew in popularity over Europe as technology improved during the Renaissance.  

Mostly monks and scholars used glasses (as they needed to read), and glasses soon became a symbol of wealth and intelligence. Later, Ben Franklin invented the bifocals, allowing people to both see far away and up close. Cylindrical lenses were also made to correct astigmatism.

People with less than perfect vision consume the product, especially nowadays, where having good vision is essential in everyday tasks such as reading and driving.

Has the need for the artifact changed over time?

In short, yes. The need for glasses first rose with the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. Now that books became affordable for commoners, more people were learning how to read driving up demand for all socioeconomic statuses. Before the industrial revolution — which enabled efficient manufacturing — glasses were a luxury that only the wealthy could afford. 

These days, glasses are now not the only means of correcting vision. Contact lenses and laser eye surgery are ubiquitous, at least in countries like the US. As Google Glass, VR, and other new technologies fuse with the traditional idea of “glasses”, our needs are becoming different still. We are finding ways to incorporate computers and the internet with wearables like glasses, watches, and more.  

We have also developed colored lenses and sunglasses as fashion statements or to protect our eyes from UV rays. Glasses, in a broad sense, are not solely used to correct vision anymore. They have wide-ranging use from protection to fashion to technological immersion.  

Does the artifact have different meanings for different groups of people?

Yes. Glasses were once seen as a symbol of wealth and intelligence because only the rich could afford them. As their use became widespread through the industrial revolution, attitudes changed. For instance, in 19th century France, the wealthy hid their corrective lenses in their opera glasses because they saw wearing glasses was an admission of a flaw. Others transitioned to wearing monocles because eyeglasses were too mainstream.

Now, many view glasses as vision correctors. But they are also much more. They are fashion statements especially with brands like Ray-Ban and Gucci manufacturing glasses. They also might be associated with “nerdy” or “hipster” culture as well depending on the style of frames.  

There have also been countless glasses trends:

• Late 1800s and early 1900s: pince-nez glasses as worn by Teddy Roosevelt 
• 1930s: plastic glasses were made available, so comfortable, over the ear glasses were popular among celebrities 
• 1940s: the cat-eye became iconic because of Marilyn Monroe 
• 1960s: hippies wore oversized glasses and sunglasses 

What commonplaces are embedded in the artifact? Or, how does the artifact comment on commonplaces?

The widespread use of glasses establishes the commonplace that having decent vision is integral to be a functioning member of society and that it’s okay to not have perfect vision because it’s natural. 

Glasses also solidify the commonplace that many accessories (that are usually unnecessary) like bracelets, necklaces, and hats can be utilized in fashion even if they aren’t used for their original intent. It encourages the use of different components of an outfit or look and how those can influence trends in fashion, art, media, etc. 

The inventors that contributed to glasses improvement challenged the commonplace that imperfect vision was a barrier to scholarship. Back then, it allowed those who could read and write (monks and the rich) to increase their contribution to technology and academics. With poor vision no longer barring potential scholars, it is likely that glasses helped hasten the development of new technology. In that way, we all benefit from the development of glasses because it allows for innovation. Moreover, it also increases the safety of everyone when most people can see when they drive or walk around. 

What makes the artifact “civic?” How does the artifact frame civic engagement?

For a long time, glasses were part of the barrier between different social statuses, but we have since dismantled that notion. 

Glasses were primitive artifacts for centuries, but many inventors such as Ben Franklin challenged the commonplace that glasses needed to be limited in their function. He saw an opportunity to improve their utility among wearers with varying vision needs.

Most notably, their ubiquitous use enables people — rich, poor, and everyone in between — to engage with society and contribute their knowledge for the improvement of humanity.