Ontwerp voor een vaas met oren in de vorm van jongetjes die linten met vruchtentrossen vasthouden c. 1850 - 1870

This is Frédéric-Jules Rudolphi’s design for a vase with handles in the shape of boys holding ribbons with bunches of fruit. Vases such as this were designed to be showpieces, symbols of status and wealth. It's fascinating to consider the social context in which such objects were created and consumed. The use of young boys as decorative elements raises questions about the representation and commodification of youth. In what ways does the vase reflect the prevailing attitudes towards children? Are they innocent cherubs, or are they presented as symbols of power and control? The garlands of fruit speak to the abundance of nature, yet there is also an element of artificiality, the fruit is merely decorative. It prompts us to consider how the vase mediates our relationship with the natural world. Does it celebrate nature, or does it domesticate and control it? Ultimately, this design invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between aesthetics, power, and social values.