Twee vazen en twee kannen 1644 - 1718

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli made this etching of two vases and two jugs. The detailed ornamentation of the vases and jugs provides insight into the aesthetics and cultural values of the Baroque period. These objects, likely intended for an aristocratic audience, reflect a world that prized elaborate decoration and the display of wealth, while the absence of people evokes a sense of distance between these precious commodities and the labor required for their existence. Mitelli’s image invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in luxury and how they shape our understanding of beauty and value. Consider the ways the decorative arts might perpetuate or challenge dominant narratives of taste, class, and identity.