Friday, December 3, 2010

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!





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!

11 comments:

Gina said...

Dear Theresa, Have always loved urns and these are spectacular examples...a feast for the eyes. Thank you for always doing such excellent research.
Have a great weekend.
Gina

Theresa Cheek said...

Gina-
Tried to find an appropriate urn to hold sauerkraut...no luck! ;p LOL!

Unknown said...

Love this post Theresa! I haven't had time to work on my watercolor urn series, this post has inspired me to get started again....Thank you for the inspiration and the research you put behind your posts!

Alan said...

Nice, Theresa! I love urns. Have you seen the book Vases De Jardin? You'd dig it.

It's that same artist who did the book called Chinoiseries, Andrew Zega.

Anyway, thanks for posting. Good inspiring stuff, as usual!

Theresa Cheek said...

Alan,
No, geez, you guys spend my money faster than I can make it!!LOL! I will check it out. Thanks.

Theresa

Brillante Interiors said...

You have a very interesting blog Theresa. Great images.

Anonymous said...

Except for the seventh urn, it is all about symmetry.
Beautiful images.
X David, NYC

Catherine Nolin said...

When ever I am in need of a little inspiration you always seem to deliver. Such beautiful examples Theresa! Catherine

Theresa Cheek said...

Thank you Catherine! I needed that comment today!

David-Love your blog...thanks for stopping by.

vicki archer said...

Theresa...these are wonderful prints....xv

Mark D. Ruffner said...

A wonderful collection, Theresa, and right up your alley! Piranesi is always a favorite of mine... Mark

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