Vaas met fenix 1780

P. Bouland created this print, “Vaas met fenix,” depicting a vase which was made out of crystal found in Switzerland in 1682, and crafted in 1855 in Prague. The print illustrates an era where craftsmanship and natural resources were highly valued, and where the display of such objects signified wealth and power. Consider the socio-political dynamics of 19th-century Europe as we consider this work. The vase, a symbol of luxury, connects to the identities of both the artisan who meticulously shaped it and the elite who possessed it. Bouland’s print not only captures the vase's physical attributes but also its cultural significance, reflecting a society deeply stratified by class and status. The choice of a phoenix as the vase's ornament adds another layer, symbolizing rebirth and resilience, perhaps mirroring the historical upheavals and transformations of the time. This piece invites us to reflect on how objects become imbued with meaning.