Vaas en medaillon met duiven 1768 - 1786

Curator: This is an engraving entitled "Vaas en medaillon met duiven," or Vase and Medallion with Doves, made sometime between 1768 and 1786. Editor: Oh, isn’t that pretty? A little formal, sure, but I can almost smell the flowers. It’s making me want to plan a garden party! Curator: The artist is Pierre Gabriel Berthault. Observe how the image divides into distinct, framed zones. Above, we see the vase overflowing with meticulously rendered blossoms, embraced by garland. Editor: It’s all very structured. But something about those overflowing flowers speaks to me. A controlled explosion of beauty, maybe? A wild abundance, struggling against the very rigid frames that are attempting to contain it. Curator: Precisely. The engraving uses contrasting symmetrical designs and intricate line work to frame natural motifs. This can tell us about how society saw nature, at that time, namely that is to be admired but controlled and embellished. Editor: Down below, we see doves – symbols of peace and love, naturally! And, for me at least, there’s a sense of gentle movement with the composition; I feel almost lifted into its graceful swirl of wings. Curator: That softness contrasts the rigid rectangular frame containing the upper vase and flowers, wouldn't you say? It may underscore those societal themes—one illustrating tamed elegance, and the other free-flowing grace. Editor: It’s funny, isn’t it? How something so ordered on the surface can still whisper secrets of wildness. I appreciate this glimpse of that eternal duality in life. Curator: Indeed. It leaves one contemplating not just the beauty, but its complex relationship to order. I will definitely give that some thought during my next visit to a garden!