Who painted A Salver and an Openwork Base?

A Salver and an Openwork Base was painted by Luigi Valadier in 1758.

Where can I see A Salver and an Openwork Base?

A Salver and an Openwork Base is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Salver and an Openwork Base?

A Salver and an Openwork Base is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A Salver and an Openwork Base

Luigi Valadier , 1758

A Salver and an Openwork Base is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Luigi Valadier. It dates from 1758 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Salver and an Openwork Base is a drawing by Luigi Valadier, executed in 1758, showcasing a decorative design in pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk and graphite on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a luxurious silver salver with a scalloped edge and a crowned finial, accompanied by two smaller openwork bases. The inclusion of a crown suggests the design may have been intended for a noble or royal patron.

Technique & Style

Valadier employed careful, precise lines of brown ink, supplemented with brown wash and underdrawings in black chalk and graphite, to convey the texture and appearance of the proposed metalwork.

History & Provenance

Created in 1758, the drawing's provenance is not detailed here, though its medium and technique are consistent with 18th-century European design practices for luxury items.

Context

This work reflects the ornate aesthetic of mid-18th-century European decorative arts, possibly intended as a design for a silversmith or jeweler, highlighting Valadier's role in such commissions.

Legacy

As a design drawing, its legacy lies in its representation of Valadier's contribution to the design of luxury items during his time, offering insight into the creative process behind high-end commissions.