Design for a Vase 1736

This Design for a Vase was made by L.N. Percenet in the 18th century using pen and black ink, with graphite underdrawing, on laid paper. It's a study for what would have been a luxury object, likely intended for display in an aristocratic home. The vase is elaborately ornamented, with snake-shaped handles and a grotesque mask at its center. The drawing itself is highly skilled, with fine lines and careful shading to create a sense of depth and volume. We can imagine Percenet, a highly trained artist, carefully rendering each detail to appeal to a wealthy patron who would then commission a silversmith or ceramicist to bring the design to life. The image speaks to the culture of consumption that was emerging in the 18th century, with the creation of exquisitely crafted objects for a growing market of affluent buyers. It reminds us that even seemingly decorative arts are deeply embedded in social and economic systems. By considering the materials, the making process, and the original context of this design, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance.