Ornament met bladeren 1710 - 1772

Here we see a drawing, Ornament met bladeren, by Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot, rendered in pen and ink. The spontaneous quality of line suggests that this was a preliminary sketch, perhaps for a larger decorative scheme. The ink lines vary in weight and density, creating a sense of depth and texture. Look closely, and you can almost see the artist’s hand moving across the page, capturing the essence of the foliage with swift strokes. It is a great example of the skills and traditions that fueled the decorative arts of the 18th century. Yet, the artist would have needed to learn his craft through years of apprenticeship, mastering techniques that were highly valued in the production of luxury goods and aristocratic display. Understanding the labor involved in creating such ornament helps us appreciate its original context, as a manifestation of power and privilege. Approaching this drawing in terms of its making, and its place in a wider system of production, prompts us to see it not just as a work of art, but as a historical artifact.