Rocaille ornament met bloemen 1731 - 1775

Emanuel Eichel made this Rocaille ornament with flowers using etching. Rocaille emerged in early 18th-century France, a decorative style associated with the reign of Louis XV. It was quickly disseminated throughout Europe via pattern books and prints just like this one, and became deeply embedded in the decorative arts. Rocaille is characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, asymmetry, and playful use of natural forms such as shells, rocks, and flowers. This print shows that Rocaille was not just about aesthetics but also about the social and cultural values of the time. It reflected the aristocratic taste for luxury, refinement, and leisure. Artists and designers looked to institutions such as the French court or the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, and in turn created works that catered to elite tastes. Understanding Rocaille requires us to consult a range of historical sources, from period treatises on design to inventories of aristocratic collections. By situating this print within its social and institutional context, we can gain insight into the cultural dynamics of 18th-century Europe.