Artwork
Borghese Vase
Borghese Vase is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Teyler. It dates from 1691 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Borghese Vase is a color engraving created by Johann Teyler around 1691, executed in ink à la poupée on laid paper. The print depicts a large marble vase with intricate carvings of figures and foliage, rendered in chiaroscuro with light sourcing from the left.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the engraving is a direct representation of the renowned Roman Borghese Vase, then located in Rome. By reproducing this specific vase, the print served as a study tool for artists, facilitating the examination of its details without the need for travel.
Technique & Style
Technically, the engraving showcases Teyler's use of the à la poupée ink application method, which allows for varied line weights and textures. The style is characterized by meticulous attention to the vase's sculptural elements and the effective use of shading to convey its three-dimensional form.
History & Provenance
Created in the 1690s, the engraving is attributed to Johann Teyler. While specific ownership histories are not detailed here, such prints were likely circulated among artistic circles of the time for educational purposes.
Context
This work reflects the 17th-century artistic practice of creating reproductions of classical antiquities for study and inspiration. The Borghese Vase, as a subject, symbolizes the enduring influence of Roman art on contemporary European artists.
Legacy
As an educational tool of its time, Borghese Vase contributed to the dissemination of classical ideals in art. Its impact lies in facilitating access to revered antiquities for a broader artistic community, though its direct influence on specific works or artists is not explicitly documented here.
Artist & collection
