Bloemenvaas c. 1680 - 1695

Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer created this print of a flower vase, sometime in the 17th century, using etching and engraving techniques. Look closely, and you’ll see how the linear quality of the printmaking beautifully captures the forms of the vase and flowers. Consider how the distinct qualities of etching and engraving bring the image to life. It’s quite a feat to create this illusion of depth, texture and three-dimensionality using only lines! Think about the labor that went into creating this artwork, from the artist and the person who prepared the printing plate, to the printer. The print could then be acquired at relatively low cost, a far cry from an original painting. This reproductive capacity meant that images could circulate widely, influencing taste and design. This print sits at the intersection of art, craft, and commerce. It invites us to reconsider the social and economic factors that shape artistic production.