Two Antique Vases with Strigil Decorations 1700 - 1800

This drawing of two antique vases with strigil decorations was made by an anonymous artist using pen and brown ink with brown wash on white paper. The image revives the styles of classical antiquity, which experienced a major resurgence in Europe during the Renaissance. The vases, which could have been found in Rome, were excavated by wealthy aristocrats and displayed in their gardens and palaces as symbols of power and prestige. During this period, there was a growing interest in art and patronage, with wealthy families like the Medici in Florence commissioning artworks, founding museums, and establishing academies of art. The rediscovery of classical art and its imitation reflected an ambition to recreate the glory of ancient civilizations. Historians turn to sources like letters, diaries, and inventories to learn about the historical context of artworks. By studying this drawing within its social and institutional context, we can better understand the role of art in shaping cultural identity and expressing social status during the Renaissance.