Designs for Two Ewers, Two Bottle-shaped Vases and a Covered Tureen by Alfred Henry Forrester [Alfred Crowquill]

Designs for Two Ewers, Two Bottle-shaped Vases and a Covered Tureen

Alfred Henry Forrester [Alfred Crowquill] · 1845

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“Step into the world of Victorian design with these intricate sketches for luxury tableware. This drawing reveals the elaborate ornamentation and refined forms that defined mid-19th century decorative arts.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This sheet presents a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era design, showcasing five distinct objects: two ewers, two bottle-shaped vases, and a covered tureen. Rendered in delicate pen and ink with touches of watercolor, these designs are not just functional but highly decorative, reflecting the ornate tastes of the mid-19th century. Each piece is meticulously drawn, with attention given to the curves, handles, and finials, suggesting a designer's keen eye for form and embellishment. The subtle washes of watercolor hint at the metallic finishes or ceramic glazes intended for these luxury items. It's easy to imagine these elegant objects gracing a fashionable dining table or a collector's cabinet, embodying the period's love for elaborate craftsmanship and refined aesthetics.

DETAILS
Artist
Alfred Henry Forrester [Alfred Crowquill]
Date
1845
Medium
Pen and ink, watercolor
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
sheet: 16 3/4 x 11 7/16 in. (42.5 x 29 cm)
Collection
Drawings and Prints
Credit line
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1956
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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Designs for Two Ewers, Two Bottle-shaped Vases and a Covered Tureen
01

The delicate floral patterns etched into the ewers and vases.

02

The whimsical, almost fantastical, animal-head spouts on the ewers.

03

The intricate finial (top ornament) on the covered tureen.

04

The subtle watercolor shading that gives the objects a three-dimensional feel.

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