A New Book of Ornaments, Very Necessary for the Instruction of Those Unacquainted With the Useful Part of Drawing 1730 - 1753

Henry Copland created "A New Book of Ornaments, Very Necessary for the Instruction of Those Unacquainted With the Useful Part of Drawing" to serve as an instructional guide in the decorative arts. Made in the 18th century, this etching embodies the Rococo style, characterized by its elaborate ornamentation and asymmetrical designs which visually echo the aristocratic values of the time. Yet, consider the book’s role in democratizing art. It sought to extend artistic knowledge beyond the elite, offering access to drawing skills to those previously excluded. But who was this ‘useful part’ of drawing for? Was it truly accessible to all, including women and people of color, in a society marked by sharp divisions of gender, race, and class? The book invites us to question the inclusivity of artistic education during this era, and to think critically about whose stories and perspectives were prioritized. Reflect on how this book both perpetuated and challenged the social hierarchies of its time.