Design for a Vase
1504
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1504
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This drawing shows a tall, ornate vase with two curved handles. The vase has detailed carvings: swirls, leaves, and small faces peeking out near the handles. The surface looks textured, with shading that makes some parts appear three-dimensional. The artist used fine lines and cross-hatching to create depth, a common trick in Renaissance drawings. Notice how the shading makes the vase look solid even though it’s just ink on paper. Next, check out Renaissance art to see more examples of this style’s intricate designs.
