Artwork Page for Suite of Vases: Plate 1

Details / Information for Suite of Vases: Plate 1

Suite of Vases: Plate 1

1746

Jacques François Saly

(French, 1717–1776)
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Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
etching
Support
Laid paper
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1996.229.2
Catalogue raisonné
Guilmard 8
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Designing ornamental vases or urns was particularly popular during the mid-18th century since the only limit to the possibilities was the imagination of the artist. Saly, a sculptor by training, was a student at the French Academy in Rome from 1740 to 1746, at which time he published a set of 30 etchings. Saly began with basic antique vase forms but deviated from classical ornament to use a rich variety of fantastic creatures for embellishment.
An etching of an ornate, urn-shaped vessel with a wide mouth and fluted base depicts a central lion's head holding a ring. Two sirens with scaly tails sit on the upper rim, their bodies joined by draped garlands. The vessel rests on a ledge inscribed "J. Saly Inv. et Sculp." Fine horizontal lines fill the background, highlighting the vessel's symmetrical composition and intricate sculptural details.

Suite of Vases: Plate 1

1746

Jacques François Saly

(French, 1717–1776)
France, 18th century

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