Design for a Vessel 1652 - 1725

Giovanni Battista Foggini designed this vessel with pen and brown ink in the late 17th or early 18th century. This drawing gives us insight into the world of luxury item production in Florence during the late Baroque period. Foggini, a prominent sculptor, was deeply involved in the decorative arts, designing everything from silverware to furniture for the Medici court and other wealthy patrons. The elaborate ornamentation seen here, reflects the period’s emphasis on grandeur and the conspicuous display of wealth and power. The design’s intended function remains unknown, but the drawing reflects the highly specialized labor of the time. A patron might commission a design from an artist like Foggini. Goldsmiths and other artisans would then execute the design. The art historian plays a crucial role in piecing together the context of these objects. By studying archival documents, such as workshop inventories and commissions, and examining surviving examples of similar works, we can better understand the social and economic forces behind their creation.