Vaas en cartouche 1770 - 1780

Editor: Here we have "Vaas en cartouche," a drawing from 1770 to 1780, held in the Rijksmuseum and created by an anonymous artist. It's very linear and precise; it actually feels like a technical drawing or an architectural plan. What stands out to you about this print? Curator: For me, this work speaks to the democratization of design happening at the time. We often see neoclassical forms in precious metals or carved stone for the elite. Here, rendered as a print, designs circulate more widely. It allowed artisans access to trendy forms that would then inform the production of functional, everyday objects for a broader market. How do you think the choice of engraving impacted its accessibility? Editor: Well, the medium allowed for reproduction and mass distribution. But isn’t there still a degree of skill and labor involved in the engraving process itself, almost elevating it beyond just a means of reproduction? Curator: Exactly! The engraving emphasizes craft. Someone had to meticulously translate the vase's form into lines, demonstrating skilled labor. Furthermore, think about what materials would have been available: The types of metal, ink, and paper affordable during the period would ultimately define who could create and purchase designs like this. Is it truly accessible, or just accessible to a wider slice of the population than, say, solid silver? Editor: That makes a lot of sense. So, looking at the drawing through a materialist lens makes me think about the broader implications of design production and consumption in the late 18th century. It's not just about aesthetics, but about the entire system. Curator: Precisely. It shifts the focus from pure artistic genius to understanding the social and economic forces shaping what we see. This really changes how we value the work and design around us!