Vazen op voetstukken 1763

Jean François de Neufforge made this print of vases on pedestals at an unknown date with etching. Consider the social context of 18th-century France; objects like these were more than just decorative, they were potent symbols of wealth and status. Neufforge's print provides us with a glimpse into the visual language of power during this period. The vases, reminiscent of classical forms, evoke a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication. They would have resonated with the cultural elite. The choice of classical motifs also points to the era’s fascination with antiquity, reflecting a desire to connect with the perceived grandeur and order of the ancient world. Prints like this one served as a catalogue of possible forms and styles, circulating ideas among architects, craftsmen, and patrons. By examining archival sources like design books, estate inventories, and architectural treatises, we can understand the social lives of these objects. What do these objects tell us about the values and aspirations of the society that produced and cherished them?