Vaas met slang als ornament 1764

Benigno Bossi made this print of a vase with snake ornamentation sometime in the 18th century. Bossi was working at a time when the study and collection of classical art and antiquities was becoming increasingly popular among wealthy Europeans. This image is a great example of the kind of designs that were circulating then. Motifs from ancient Greece and Rome became templates for what was considered beautiful and sophisticated. The vase itself is modeled after ancient pottery, while the snake is a clear reference to classical mythology. Snakes were seen as symbols of wisdom, healing, and even immortality. Prints like this circulated through a growing art market, but also served as models for artisans producing luxury goods. Art historians explore how the revival of classical forms shaped tastes and consumption patterns in 18th-century Europe. Catalogues and design books are invaluable resources here. By studying these sources, we gain insights into the complex social life of images.