Vase 1585 - 1615

This vase was crafted in Paris by Morell, though the date remains unknown. It is made of rock crystal with silver-gilt mounts, and is a testament to the enduring power of luxury objects to communicate status and aspiration. Rock crystal carving, like many so-called 'decorative' arts, has long been a medium of royal and aristocratic display, going back to antiquity. We can see how the form and ornamentation of this vase draws upon a vocabulary of classical motifs: its shape echoes ancient urns and vases and the handles are decorated with stylized dragon heads. The vase speaks to the self-conscious classicism that pervaded much of European art and design from the Renaissance onward, particularly in France, and particularly in court circles. Researching the patronage of such objects, the distribution of wealth, and the networks of craft workshops in Paris are all fruitful avenues for further understanding its significance. By considering the social and institutional context in which such an artwork was made, we can unlock the complex meanings embedded within its glittering surfaces.