Design for Three Vases 1765 - 1790

This drawing of three vase designs is rendered with graphite on paper. The anonymous artist presents a study in form and proportion, carefully delineating each vessel with delicate lines. The arrangement of these vases in a horizontal series invites a comparative analysis of their individual structures and the negative space between them. Each design showcases a variation on the classical vase form, employing a vocabulary of curves and straight lines, which suggests a dialogue between tradition and innovation. The subtle gradations in the graphite emphasize the play of light on the surfaces, hinting at the vases' potential materiality—perhaps glass or porcelain. The use of seriality creates a sense of rhythm and repetition, while the slight variations in form disrupt any rigid sense of symmetry. This hints at a broader exploration of the decorative arts, where function meets aesthetics. The drawing remains an exercise in design and a meditation on the fundamental elements of shape, line, and composition.