Wierookvaasje met adelaarskop

About this artwork

height 82 mm x width 58 mm

Art Historical Context

Welcome to our virtual gallery, where we explore the delicate artistry of 18th design. *Wierookvaasje met adelaarskop* (Incense Vase with's Head), a pen by Etienne de Lavallée-Poussin, dates to between 1750 and 1793. Measuring just 82 mm high by 58 mm wide, this sketch captures the elegant form of a small incense topped with a majestic eagle's head—a motif evoking ancient Roman symbolism of power and imperial authority, reimagined in the refined aesthetic of the Enlightenment era. Created in pen, likely ink on paper, the work exemplifies the precision of preparatory drawings used by designers and silversmiths during the Rococo-to-Neoclassical transition. Lavallée-Poussin's meticulous lines suggest a study for a luxury object, perhaps in porcelain, silver, or glass, blending functionality with ornamental flair. Such vases were prized in affluent European households for perfuming spaces during rituals or social gatherings, reflecting the period's fascination with antiquity and sensory indulgence. This modest yet evocative piece highlights how 18th-century artists bridged fine art and applied crafts, preserving ideas for opulent decorative arts amid France's evolving cultural landscape. A testament to technical skill in a diminutive format, it invites us to appreciate the artistry behind everyday elegance.