Arabesken met gevleugelde vrouwen 1780 - 1830

This is an ornamental design on paper by Joseph Gleich. The work is made entirely through the relatively simple medium of ink on paper, a world away from the objects it depicts, such as carved stone urns and mythological figures. Look at the way the ink is applied in such fine, controlled lines. This suggests a printmaking technique such as etching or engraving, allowing for the reproduction of precise details and shading, creating the illusion of depth and texture on a flat surface. It would have been laborious to create these designs, with the image carefully built up line by line. These designs would have been used as templates, and they show the transfer of imagery from the page to a very different material realm: the kinds of expensive interiors only available to the wealthy. It is through the careful application of craft and design that this humble material gains significance, offering a glimpse into a world of artistry and aspiration, and a system of labor.