Artwork
Suite of Vases
Suite of Vases 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.
- Accession no.
- 1996.229
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
About this work
Overview
The Suite of Vases is a series of etchings by Saly, created during his time at the Académie de France in Rome. The set comprises 30 designs for ornamental vases.
Subject & Meaning
The vases depicted in the etchings feature a mix of real and imaginary elements, including animals, mythical creatures, faces, and grotesques. These designs reflect the artist's inventive approach to decoration and his ability to combine disparate motifs.
Technique & Style
Saly, a trained sculptor, employed etching to create the Suite of Vases. The resulting prints showcase his skill in translating three-dimensional concepts into two-dimensional designs, characterized by intricate details and ornate decoration.
Context
The Suite of Vases was created during a period when designing ornamental vases was a popular activity among artists, allowing them to demonstrate their skill and imagination. The etchings contributed to the mid-18th-century revival of classical elements in decorative arts, known as Neoclassicism.
History & Provenance
The Suite of Vases was published after Saly's return to Paris from Rome, with the announcement highlighting the etchings as a showcase of the sculptor's ingenuity and design freedom.
Own this work as a print
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.
