Kan in in rococo-stijl c. 1743

This drawing of a Rococo style can was made at an unknown time, by an anonymous artist. Look closely at the swirling curves, the shell-like forms, and the overall sense of playful asymmetry, these are all hallmarks of the Rococo style which emerged in early 18th century France. Rococo was a style of interior design and decorative arts that quickly spread throughout Europe. It was characterized by its ornate details, delicate colors, and frivolous themes. Rococo was often associated with the aristocracy and the court of Louis XV. The question of anonymity is interesting here, and speaks to the way in which drawings were often made in workshops by more than one hand. The Rococo style embodied a culture of luxury, leisure, and pleasure. By studying objects like these, historians of art and culture can begin to unpack the complex social and economic forces that shaped artistic production in the past. Scholarly journals and museum archives can provide further information that will help contextualize artworks like this one.