Vase. Gobelet à Pied.

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Vase. Gobelet à Pied** is a delicate print by Richard de Lalonde, a artist active from 1780 to 1796, created between 1775 and1788. This work depicts an elegant footed goblet, a hallmark of late 18th-century decorative. As a print—likely an engraving—Lalonde captured intricate forms that bridged the ornate Rococo style of Louis XV with the emerging Neoclassical restraint of Louis XVI, emphasizing symmetry, classical motifs, and refined proportions. Lalonde specialized in ornamental prints that served as models for porcelain manufacturers like Sèvres, influencing luxury goods across Europe. These designs were vital in an era when the decorative arts symbolized sophistication and Enlightenment ideals, blending utility with artistry. Prints like this one democratized high design, allowing artisans to replicate sophisticated shapes and decorations. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the Advisory Council, this piece highlights transatlantic exchanges in taste. Though research continues, it invites us to appreciate how a simple print propelled the era's aesthetic revolution, from French salons to global collections. (178 words)