Gedecoreerde vaas before 1873

This decorated vase was created by Joseph Cundall, an artist born in 1818. Consider the time in which Cundall lived. The nineteenth century was an era of empire, industry, and profound social change. Cundall's vase captures a moment of reflection on classical ideals amidst this rapidly evolving world. It represents a visual dialogue between the past and present, one that was typical of the European societies in the 1800s. Classical art was often associated with the upper classes who had the financial means to acquire it. The vase embodies this intersection of aesthetics and social status, reminding us of the historical context in which beauty and power were so closely intertwined. While the vase is visually beautiful, it also encourages us to think about the historical conditions that allowed such objects to be created and admired.