Zeven vazen 1740 - 1766

Mauro Antonio Tesi created ‘Zeven vazen’, or ‘Seven Vases,’ as an etching around the mid-18th century. The linear precision renders each vase with a distinct identity, despite their symmetrical arrangements. The vases, rendered in monochromatic lines, sit against the muted background. This print displays Tesi’s interest in the interplay between classical forms and decorative exuberance characteristic of the late Baroque period. The vases, while rooted in classical silhouettes, burst with ornamental details such as serpentine handles, grotesque masks, and sculptural figures. Tesi engages in a visual dialogue, questioning the boundaries between functionality and pure aesthetic pleasure. The composition, with seven distinct vases in a row, creates a sense of both rhythm and variation. The linear quality enhances the contrast and gives each vase its distinct persona. Note the subtle shifts in weight and texture. These are signs of the artist's hand in the etching process. Consider how Tesi transforms utilitarian objects into a stage for the play of form and surface. The arrangement questions whether the function of these forms is practical, or purely aesthetic.