Artwork
Suite of Vases: Plate 5
Suite of Vases: Plate 5 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
This painting shows a set of vases with unique designs.
The vases have basic antique forms, but they're decorated with fantastical creatures. This was a popular thing to do in the 18th century, as artists could let their imagination run wild.
You can see more artwork like this by visiting the museum where this piece is held, The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Overview
Plate 5 from the Suite of Vases is an etching by sculptor-turned-printmaker Saly, part of a 30-piece set published during his time at the French Academy in Rome (1740-1746). The work exemplifies the 18th-century trend of reimagining antique vase forms with inventive ornamentation.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a set of vases that blend classical base forms with unconventional decorations, featuring a diverse array of fantastical creatures. This creative liberty reflects the era's emphasis on artistic imagination as the primary constraint in ornamental design.
Technique & Style
Saly's etching technique translates sculptural sensibilities into a two-dimensional print, combining traditional vase silhouettes with elaborate, non-classical motifs, showcasing a unique fusion of sculpture and printmaking aesthetics.
History & Provenance
Published between 1740 and 1746, this etching is part of Saly's 30-piece Suite of Vases. It is now held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
Created during Saly's tenure at the French Academy in Rome, the piece contextualizes the mid-18th century's fascination with both classical influences and the freedom to innovate through fantasy in decorative arts.
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.
