Ornamental Engravings...

The end of the 16thc and beginning of the 17thc  was the height of ornamental engravings.

Carlo Antonini

Classical urns and vases were illustrated through floral designs.

During this time, engravings became fanciful images, incorporating decorative ornament into the classical shape of the urn or vase.

Piranesi

In 1740, Giovanni Battista Piranesi was learning engraving and etching in Rome, residing in the Palazzo Venezia. His background in architecture led him to create a more classical approach.

 Piranesi studied in Rome under Giuseppe Vasi.

Giovanni Giardini was skilled as a draughtsman, silversmith and gem carver. These skills show in his precise engravings of urns in the mid 1600's.

world-market-portraits.blogspot.com photo

Acanthus leaves, egg and dart borders and the illusion of gold were common themes in these ornamental urns.

Piranesi

Piranesi's Venetian influence

Henri-Simon Thomassin

Mythology was still a strong subject matter as well....

Henri-Simon Thomassin

as well as swags , ribbons and musical instruments.

Henri-Simon Thomassin

The hand coloring of these engravings were art in themselves!

source

Sam Garriott Antonacci  offers a miniature book on detailed drawings of classic urns. This is hand made with his illustrations.

Fellow blogger Penney Wiseman offers some nice watercolors in her etsy store...

Urns are timeless and are still being interpreted today. You can own this print from etsy if you don't want to go formal. Just be sure to include decorative ornament in your home!