Artwork
Suite of Vases: Plate 21
Suite of Vases: Plate 21 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 with a twist. They're decorated with fantastic creatures, which was a departure from classical ornament. This was a popular thing to do in the mid-18th century, as artists were limited only by their imagination.
Check out the work of Jacques François Saly to see more of his creative designs.
Overview
Plate 21 from 'Suite of Vases' is an etching by Jacques François Saly, a sculptor-turned-printmaker, showcasing a set of ornamental vases that blend classical forms with imaginative embellishments.
Subject & Meaning
The subject revolves around creative reinterpretations of antique vase designs, highlighting the 18th-century artistic trend of pushing beyond classical ornamentation with fantastical elements.
Technique & Style
Saly, trained as a sculptor, applied his skills to etching, starting with traditional vase forms before deviating to incorporate a diverse array of fantastical creatures for decoration.
History & Provenance
Published during Saly's time at the French Academy in Rome (1740-1746), this plate is part of a larger set of 30 etchings, reflecting the artist's early experimentation with printmaking.
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.
