Royalist trompe l'oeil 1700 - 1800

This anonymous 18th-century engraving, “Royalist trompe l’oeil,” is a detailed depiction of a classical urn, draped with a cloth and surrounded by a weeping willow tree, a snake, and other foliage. This is an example of *trompe l’oeil*, which means "trick the eye" in French, a technique that aims to create the illusion of reality. This is a type of artwork that is often found in the decorative arts and is meant to be appreciated for its realism, detail, and beauty. The engraving is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.