Rocailles en plateaus 1727 - 1775

Emanuel Eichel created this print, called Rocailles en plateaus, using etching. The image presents us with a series of rocaille designs, popular in the decorative arts of 18th-century Europe. Rocaille, with its flowing curves and naturalistic motifs, became the style of choice among the elite, adorning their homes and objects with a sense of opulence. This print offers insight into the world of design and craftsmanship of the time. Created in the Dutch Republic, it reflects the thriving artistic environment that existed there. The Dutch Republic’s economic prosperity and social structure allowed for artistic expression and a market for luxury goods. Institutions such as guilds played a role in regulating artistic production, maintaining standards, and providing training for aspiring artists. By studying these designs and their historical context, we can uncover the cultural values and social dynamics that shaped artistic production. Exploring period documents, design manuals, and architectural treatises, helps us to better understand the intricate relationship between art, society, and the institutions that govern them.