Vaas 1659

This print, "Vaas," was created by Jean Lepautre in France during the 17th century, using etching. It depicts an elaborate vase, adorned with mythological figures and scenes. Lepautre was a prolific designer and engraver, and his work reflects the opulence and theatricality of the Baroque period. The vase, a symbol of wealth and status, is decorated with imagery that evokes classical antiquity and royal power. This was a period when art served to legitimize the social hierarchy. Lepautre’s print suggests the importance of ornamental design in reinforcing the status of the court. Art historians examine prints like this, alongside treatises on design and architectural pattern books, to better understand the material culture of the early modern period. These resources allow us to examine the relationship between art, power, and social identity in 17th-century France.