Rocaille met watervogels 1719 - 1749

This print, Rocaille with waterfowl, was made by Philipp Andreas Degmair in the 18th century. It's an etching, meaning the image was incised in acid on a metal plate, then inked and printed. The design encapsulates the Rococo style, which was popular in Europe at the time, and was often used for interior decoration and garden design. Note the elaborate, asymmetrical, shell-like forms, as well as the naturalistic elements like birds and insects. These features reflect the cultural values of the aristocracy, who embraced elaborate displays of wealth and a romanticized view of nature. Prints like this one circulated widely, helping to spread the Rococo style. They were also collected by art academies to provide their students with examples of good taste and design. To fully understand this print, we might consult period treatises on design, or study the patronage networks that supported artists like Degmair. By examining this print in its social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.