Zoutvat before 1736

"Zoutvat" is a design for a salt cellar by Cornelis Pronk, a Dutch painter and designer, dating from before 1736. The detailed drawing depicts a multi-tiered, octagonal base with intricate floral motifs and a central cartouche featuring a swan. This meticulous design demonstrates Pronk's skill in ornamental art and the popularity of Chinoiserie, a style inspired by Chinese and East Asian art, in Dutch design during the 18th century. The small size of the drawing suggests it may have been a preliminary sketch for a larger, more elaborate work. This piece, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the artistic vision of Pronk and the decorative trends of the time.