Gedecoreerde vaas met kraantje en schaal 1841 - 1911

Léopold Flameng created this print of a decorated vase with a tap and a dish. This image shows a set of objects that are likely made of porcelain or faience, materials that can be molded and painted with intricate designs. The printmaking process itself is key here. Rather than depicting a scene from life, Flameng chose to represent another work of art. The original ceramic objects may have been unique, but this print could be reproduced many times over, making the image widely available. Consider the skilled labor involved: both in the creation of the original vase and dish, and in the meticulous work of the printmaker. It's a fascinating convergence of craft traditions and the rise of industrial production. Reproducing luxury items through printmaking democratized access to imagery, but also altered our relationship to material culture. By focusing on such imagery, Flameng prompts us to reflect on these dynamics, and on the value we assign to both handmade objects and their machine-made representations.