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
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...