Design for a Ewer 1734 - 1791

Jean Charles Delafosse created this design for a ewer using pen and black ink, with gray wash, in the 18th century. Ewers were vessels used for pouring water, often elaborately decorated, and symbols of wealth and status. Here, the artist renders the ewer with exquisite detail, emphasizing its ornate embellishments. Notice the putti, floral garlands, and the dramatic, serpentine handle terminating in an eagle's head. The ink and wash technique allows Delafosse to create a sense of depth and texture, mimicking the potential for the play of light on a three-dimensional, presumably metal, object. Delafosse was known for his ornamental designs, which were widely disseminated through engravings. These designs catered to the tastes of the French aristocracy and the burgeoning bourgeoisie, who sought to emulate the lifestyle of the elite. This drawing, therefore, speaks to a culture of luxury and display, where even the most functional objects were elevated to the level of art through skilled craftsmanship and lavish decoration. It also shows the separation of labor, where designer and maker were not necessarily the same person.