Titelblad: Diverses Vases à l'Italienne c. 1655 - 1678

This is an engraving titled "Titelblad: Diverses Vases à l'Italienne", created by an anonymous artist. During this period, the decorative arts, like vase design, reflected the opulence and power of the elite. Yet, printed images democratized these status symbols, allowing broader access to aspirational aesthetics. What does it mean when luxury goods are circulated in the form of reproducible images? The Italian influence, as noted in the title, reveals the cultural prestige associated with Italian design during this time. Note the vase's elaborate ornamentation with figures and foliage. These details speak to the era's emphasis on both classical and natural forms, status and display. Consider how this image straddles the line between art and commodity, between exclusivity and accessibility. It invites us to think about the complex relationship between artistic expression, social status, and the circulation of images in society.