Nouveau Livre de Vases 1716

Jean Bernard Toro created this print, Nouveau Livre de Vases, in France during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It offers a glimpse into the world of decorative arts during the reign of Louis XIV. The image presents an elaborate vase design, brimming with classical motifs – cherubs, masks, and ornate foliage. These elements speak to the cultural values of the time, where classical antiquity was seen as the pinnacle of artistic achievement. The print was intended as a model for craftsmen. The design reflects the grandeur of the French court and the importance of display in aristocratic life. Note how the print itself becomes part of a larger network of artistic production and consumption, as these designs circulated through workshops and influenced the creation of actual objects. To fully understand this print, we can delve into the archives of French decorative arts, examining pattern books, workshop records, and inventories of aristocratic collections. It allows us to understand the social and institutional contexts in which art is made and consumed.