Vaas met putti 1755 - 1768

L.N. Percenet created this print of a vase with putti in the 18th century. During this time, French society under the reign of Louis XV was characterized by elaborate aesthetics and the Rococo style, which is clearly evident in this design. The vase features nude putti—often used to represent innocence—draped across its upper portion. These figures are juxtaposed with the rigid, classical form of the vase itself. The contrast introduces themes of youthful freedom against the backdrop of established norms. The cameo portraying a woman suggests an interplay between public identity and private virtues. In its time, the image would have been used as a template for artisans tasked with producing luxury goods that displayed wealth, taste, and social standing. This print not only captures a moment in art history but also embodies the values, tensions, and aspirations of the 18th-century elite, reflecting both their embrace of classical ideals and their fascination with more playful, sensual forms.