Designs for a Ewer and a Lidded Vase, Plate 2 from: 'Schöne und auf die neueste Facon inventierte Gefäße und Krüge' 1745 - 1755

This is Plate 2 from ‘Schöne und auf die neueste Facon inventierte Gefäße und Krüge’ by Jeremias Wachsmuth, made using etching and engraving. The designs for a ewer and a lidded vase offer a study in the exuberant forms of the 18th century. The composition is balanced by the placement of the ewer on the left and the vase on the right, each a symphony of curves and ornate details. The use of line is masterful, creating a sense of depth and texture that invites the eye to explore every flourish. Wachsmuth’s designs reflect a fascination with natural forms, transforming everyday objects into elaborate displays of artistic virtuosity. This plate is not just a functional blueprint but an exploration of aesthetic possibilities. Note how the artist destabilizes fixed meanings by elevating the utilitarian to the level of high art. The objects transcend their intended use to become expressions of cultural values and artistic innovation. Consider the implications of form meeting function. This design functions as a cultural artifact, demonstrating the desire to embellish the mundane with layers of complex meaning.