Vaas op basement c. 1830 - 1850

This undated vase on a basement drawing was produced by Firma Feuchère. It’s rendered in pen and ink with watercolor, embodying the neoclassical fascination with idealized forms. Consider the cherubs adorning the vase. These figures, often genderless or ambiguously gendered, symbolize innocence and divine love. However, their presence also points to the historical context of art production and the complicated relationship between the artist and the decorative object. Note the cherubs' poses and how they interact with the vase's structure; they evoke a sense of playfulness while subtly reinforcing the vase's symbolic value. Think about how an object like this would have been displayed, perhaps in a grand home, acting as a silent witness to social gatherings, power displays, and private moments. The vase is more than just an aesthetic object; it represents the values and aspirations of a specific time. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between form, function, and cultural identity.