Drie reliëfs met bladranken, gebeeldhouwd door Jean Herman before 1880

This is a lithograph of three reliefs with foliage, sculpted by Jean Herman and printed by Charles Claesen. Without knowing the precise date of this print, we might still ask how it reflects the social function of art in its time. The designs are titled as 'motifs de sculpture decorative,' suggesting these images were intended for an audience of artists, architects, or craftsmen looking for inspiration. Relief sculptures have served decorative and narrative purposes from ancient times through the Renaissance, and the revival of classical styles during the 19th century led to renewed interest in ornamental details. Institutions like schools, workshops, and museums played a key role in the circulation of design ideas. To understand this image better, we would need to research the publishing activities of Charles Claesen, the career of Jean Herman, and the broader system of art education in Belgium. Examining trade publications, design manuals, and architectural pattern books of the time would give us more context about its cultural significance.