Urn met deksel c. 1650

Georges Tournier made this print of an urn with lid, using etching techniques. Look closely and you can see the textures and lines created by the artist manipulating the metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The print showcases the urn’s classical form and decorative details. Note the careful attention to the urn's material qualities: its smooth, cool surface and weighty presence. The etching captures the play of light and shadow on the urn's surface, enhancing its three-dimensionality. Tournier skillfully uses lines to depict the intricate carvings and sculptural elements adorning the urn. The process of printmaking, with its reliance on skilled labor and mechanical reproduction, complicates traditional notions of artistic value. Tournier's print invites us to consider the social and economic context in which such objects were created and circulated. It makes us consider the roles of artisans, patrons, and consumers in shaping artistic taste and cultural values. By appreciating the material processes and social context of the urn, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.