Vaas met putto op deksel 1606 - 1657

This print, made by Jacques Stella, depicts an elaborate vase with a putto on its lid. As a print, its value lies in the skilled labor of the engraver, who translated a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional image that could be widely distributed. Note the vase itself; its form evokes ancient pottery, yet its surface is intricately ornamented. The interlace pattern on the lower portion is particularly interesting. It is a classic example of trompe l'oeil, an illusionistic effect mimicking basketry. This creates an intriguing contrast. An object made of precious metal, aspiring to the humbler aesthetic of craft. The vase’s handles and lid are equally ornamental, crowned by the figure of a putto. This combination of classical form and decorative excess speaks to the tastes of the wealthy. These were the patrons who fuelled the luxury trades in Stella’s time. Ultimately, this print reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are the result of complex social and economic forces, blurring any clear distinction between art and craft.