Artwork
Suite of Vases: Plate 18
Suite of Vases: Plate 18 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
Suite of Vases: Plate 18 is an etching by Jacques François Saly, a sculptor who created a series of 30 prints during his time at the French Academy in Rome.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts an ornate vase with fantastical creatures, including birds and snakes, adorning its surface. The vase's form is rooted in classical antiquity, but its decoration diverges from traditional motifs.
Technique & Style
Saly's etching showcases his skill in creating intricate, detailed designs. The use of sharp lines and deep shadows adds depth and texture to the image, highlighting the vase's ornate embellishments.
History & Provenance
Saly produced the Suite of Vases during his studies at the French Academy in Rome, from 1740 to 1746. The series reflects the mid-18th-century fascination with designing ornamental vases and urns.
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.
