Artwork
Suite of Vases
Suite of Vases is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques François Saly. It dates from 1746 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Suite of Vases is a series of etchings by Saly, created during his time at the Académie de France in Rome. The set comprises 30 designs for ornamental vases.
Subject & Meaning
The vases depicted in the etchings feature a mix of real and imaginary elements, including animals, mythical creatures, faces, and grotesques. These designs reflect the artist's inventive approach to decoration and his ability to combine disparate motifs.
Technique & Style
Saly, a trained sculptor, employed etching to create the Suite of Vases. The resulting prints showcase his skill in translating three-dimensional concepts into two-dimensional designs, characterized by intricate details and ornate decoration.
Context
The Suite of Vases was created during a period when designing ornamental vases was a popular activity among artists, allowing them to demonstrate their skill and imagination. The etchings contributed to the mid-18th-century revival of classical elements in decorative arts, known as Neoclassicism.
History & Provenance
The Suite of Vases was published after Saly's return to Paris from Rome, with the announcement highlighting the etchings as a showcase of the sculptor's ingenuity and design freedom.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques François Joseph Saly, also known as Jacques Saly (20 June 1717 – 4 May 1776), French-born sculptor who worked in France, Italy and Malta.
