Design for a Bowl with a Stand
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1911-28-334
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This drawing by German artist Joseph Anton Seethaler II captures the thoughtful planning behind a decorative object intended for everyday elegance. Created between 1827 and 1835, "Design for a Bowl with a Stand" reflects the early nineteenth-century interest in refined tableware that combined utility with graceful form. As a preparatory work, it likely guided craftsmen in producing the final piece, illustrating how artists of the period bridged fine art and applied design. Classified simply as a drawing and part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection, the work was purchased by the museum’s Advisory Council, highlighting its role in preserving examples of international design heritage. Though research remains in progress and the exact medium is not specified, the piece offers visitors a window into the creative process that shaped decorative arts during Seethaler’s lifetime. Such designs remind us of the careful attention given to objects that once graced homes and gatherings.