Veertien ontwerpen voor juwelen, een schaal en een waaierhandvat 1695

Joseph Friedrich Leopold made this print, "Veertien ontwerpen voor juwelen, een schaal en een waaierhandvat," whose date is currently unknown, using etching on paper. Leopold was a German designer and engraver, working at a time when the aristocracy flaunted their status through elaborate displays of wealth. The designs here showcase the intricate craftsmanship and lavish materials that were hallmarks of the era. Consider the symbolism inherent in these objects: jewelry, often worn by women, signified status and wealth, yet also served as a marker of their position within a patriarchal society. The grand scale, supported by the cherubic figures, speaks to the power and opulence associated with wealth. What are the cultural values embedded in the artistry of this period? This piece offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between beauty, power, and identity in the 17th and 18th centuries.