Vase (Plate 5 of a Series)
Classification
ornament
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of E.F. Caldwell & Co.
Accession Number
1963-9-244
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Enea Vico, a Italian engraver active during the Renaissance (15231567), created this exquisite *Vase (Plate 5 of a Series)* in1543. Working primarily in Mantua and Rome Vico was renowned for his intricate ornamental prints, which bridged fine art and design. This piece, part of a larger series depicting elaborate vases, exemplifies the Mannerist style's elegant grotesques and scrolling motifs, inspired by classical antiquity and the decorative fantasies of artists like Rosso Fiorentino. Though the medium remains under study, Vico's works were typically fine-line engravings on copper plates, allowing precise reproduction of fantastical vessel forms adorned with mythical creatures, foliage, and architectural elements. These prints served as pattern books for goldsmiths, silversmiths, and artisans, influencing decorative arts across Europe during the 16th century. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through a gift from E.F. Caldwell & Co., this ornament highlights the Renaissance fusion of utility and beauty. Imagine 16th-century workshops buzzing with these designs—timeless inspirations that turned everyday objects into art. Ongoing research promises to reveal even more about its craft and legacy.