Vaas met slangen 1770 - 1780

This vase with snakes was made by an anonymous artist using etching. The artist has worked with metal plates and acid to create this highly decorative piece that appears almost mechanically produced. Note the clean lines and uniform marks. The etching technique is used to create fine details such as the snakes which act as handles, the garland draped around the vase, and the inscription at the bottom of the image. By controlling the depth and the thickness of lines, the artist shows a mastery over the medium to portray a 3D form with light and shadow. This is a technique that requires careful planning and skill, developed through traditional craft processes. The artist is not only a skilled artisan but also engages with design principles, pushing us to challenge any perceived hierarchy between the fine and decorative arts.