Ontwerp voor een vaas c. 1830 - 1840

Jean-Jacques Feuchère created this design for a vase using graphite. Feuchère was a French designer working in the first half of the 19th century, a period when industrialization was transforming the decorative arts. The vase design embodies the opulence of the period. Note the profusion of cherubs and ornate embellishments covering almost every surface. At the time, French designers looked to the past for inspiration, particularly the Renaissance and the Baroque periods. Styles were drawn from history and reproduced using new industrial methods, such as molding and casting, to meet rising demand. Designers like Feuchère played a key role in shaping consumer tastes, and in defining the image of luxury in an era of mass production. Museums of decorative art were founded at this time in order to promote good design by showcasing historical masterpieces. By examining design drawings and other archival documents, we can gain insight into the intersection of art, industry, and cultural values during this transformative period.