Plate from Book of Vases 1700 - 1800

This etching, created by Jacques de La Joue the Younger between 1700 and 1800, is a masterful example of the Rococo style. It depicts a whimsical, elaborate design featuring a central cascading waterfall framed by a series of intricate, flowing curves, shells, and a female figure perched atop the structure. This plate is from a larger book of designs, "Book of Vases," which provided decorative inspiration for artisans and architects of the time. The detailed engraving emphasizes the swirling, organic forms characteristic of the Rococo period, showcasing a shift away from the strict formality of earlier Baroque styles. The artwork is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY.