Vaas met oren in de vorm van een zeemeerman 1764

This drawing, made by Benigno Bossi, captures a vase with ears in the form of a mermaid. The structure is presented within a formal black and white palette. The composition is strikingly symmetrical, emphasizing a classical form that is embellished with figural supports. Note the mermaids, meticulously rendered to serve not just as decoration but also as structural elements, their bodies flowing into the vase's form. This creates an intriguing interplay between the organic and the geometric. The classical urn form is destabilized by the addition of mermaids. Bossi’s artistic skill lies in his ability to integrate mythological elements with traditional design. The semiotic implications are rich, hinting at a fusion of beauty and function. It's a vase that transcends mere utility. It suggests a deeper engagement with the cultural values of its time.