Schenkkan met tuit naar rechts 1648 - 1655

This is "Schenkkan met tuit naar rechts", an engraving by Jean Lepautre, made in France in the 17th century. It depicts a pitcher adorned with classical motifs and, notably, a satyr figure. Engravings like these circulated widely, playing a crucial role in disseminating artistic ideas. Lepautre’s work exemplifies the opulent aesthetic of Louis XIV's France, reflecting the era's fascination with classical antiquity, which served to legitimize the monarchy through association with the grandeur of Rome. The satyr figure hints at the courtly culture of revelry and excess. The print was likely part of a larger suite intended as inspiration for artisans. Prints like this were acquired by institutions and academies, where they exerted influence on taste and design. To fully understand this print, one might consult period treatises on ornament, architectural pattern books, and inventories of royal collections. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.