Ornamental Vase Design
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-501-7
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Ornamental Vase** *By L.N. Percenet, French, 1761* *Print; Smithsonian American Art Museum* into the elegant world of 18th French decorative arts with L.N. Percenet's *Ornamental Vase*, a captivating print from1761. Created during the lavish Rococo period, when France led Europe in opulent ornamentation, this work showcases Percenet's skill in envisioning refined vases—likely intended as a model for silversmiths, ceramists, or furniture makers. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through its Advisory Council, it highlights the enduring appeal of French design across the Atlantic. As a print, this piece served a practical yet artistic purpose: reproducing intricate designs for widespread use by artisans. Rococo prints like this one democratized high-style decoration, blending scrolling motifs, floral flourishes, and asymmetrical elegance that defined the era's playful aesthetic. Though research is ongoing, it offers a window into how such patterns influenced luxury goods, from Versailles tableware to colonial American homes. This delicate design invites us to appreciate the fusion of utility and beauty, reminding visitors of printmaking's role in shaping taste and trade in the Enlightenment age. A true gem for lovers of historical ornament! (198 words)