Twee urnen op voetstukken 1779

Gottlieb Friedrich Riedel created this print of ‘Two Urns on Pedestals’ sometime in the 18th century. Riedel lived during the late Enlightenment, a period defined by its emphasis on reason and individualism, which influenced artistic styles of the time. These urns, rendered in meticulous detail, reflect a deep engagement with classical forms, a hallmark of the Neoclassical movement, which dominated European art during this period. The urns, symbols of remembrance, are adorned with scenes that evoke classical antiquity. Such depictions often served as vehicles for moral instruction and the idealization of historical narratives. By revisiting classical antiquity, Riedel and his contemporaries sought to draw parallels between their own era and the perceived virtues of the ancient world. Consider how these forms and narratives, while seemingly universal, might have been imbued with the specific cultural values and social hierarchies of the 18th century. This print invites us to reflect on how objects of art can simultaneously embody aesthetic ideals and perpetuate societal norms.