Ornamental Vase Design
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-501-2
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Ornamental Vase DesignCreated in 1761 by French L.N. Percenet, *Ornamental Vase Design* is a delicate print showcasing the elegance of mid-18th-century French arts. This work captures the ornate aesthetic of the Rococo period, a time when France under Louis XV celebrated lavish, asymmetrical motifs inspired by nature—think scrolling vines, floral garlands, and graceful curves. Vases like this were staples of luxury households, often rendered in porcelain, silver, or glass, symbolizing refinement and wealth. As a print, the piece served a practical purpose beyond mere beauty: it functioned as a pattern sheet, allowing artisans across Europe to replicate intricate designs with precision. Etchings or engravings such as this democratized high-style decoration, influencing workshops from Paris to provincial towns. Percenet's contribution highlights the era's fusion of artistry and industry, bridging fine art with everyday opulence. Today, housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and acquired through the Advisory Council's foresight, this print offers a window into transatlantic tastes. Though research continues, it reminds us how European ornamental traditions shaped global design, inviting visitors to appreciate the quiet innovation in a single vase's flourish.