Basin with Enamelled Handles, Decorated with Dragon and Ram Heads n.d.

Giuseppe Grisoni created this design for a basin with enamelled handles in the 18th century. It's rendered with pen, brown ink, watercolor, and heightened with white gouache over graphite on paper. What is most compelling about this drawing is its depiction of fine materials. The basin is presented as if carved from a single piece of agate, a luxury material prized for its swirling patterns and varied colors. The handles are adorned with intricate enamelwork, featuring dragon and ram heads. We get the sense that Grisoni wasn't just showing off the design of the object, but also the extreme labor involved in its production, from the quarrying of the stone to the carving of the vessel, and the delicate enamelling process. By focusing on materials, making, and the social context, we can appreciate the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. It's a celebration of artisanal skill and the luxurious possibilities of materials.