Twee ornamentranden met vazen 1776

Here we see two ornament borders with vases, created by Placido Columbani. Though we don’t know the precise date of its making, designs like these gained popularity in the 18th century, amidst the rise of Neoclassicism. Let's think about ornamentation itself. These patterns speak volumes about class and access. Ornamentation has historically been an indicator of wealth. In the 1700s, the rise of the merchant class fueled a desire for luxury goods and elaborate designs, often imitating aristocratic styles. But where did all this ornamentation come from? Who were the unseen hands crafting these intricate designs? I wonder about the artisans and laborers, often anonymous, whose skill and labor made these opulent aesthetics possible. What were their lives like? How did they feel about contributing to a world of excess that they themselves could not access? This print, while seemingly a simple design, quietly reflects complex power dynamics within the art world and broader society.