Ornamental Vase Design
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-479-19
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Edme Bouchardon (1698–1762), a leading French sculptor and designer of the Rococo era, *Ornamental Vase Design* in 1737. Trained in Rome after winning the prestigious Prix de Rome, Bouch returned to Paris to serve under Louis XV, blending classical grandeur with the playful elegance of Rococo ornamentation. His works, including fountains and decorative sculptures at Versailles, exemplified the period's love for intricate motifs like shells, scrolls, and foliage. This print captures Bouchardon's mastery in ornamental design, likely an engraving intended for artisans crafting luxury vases. Roco...