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Set of Designs for Friezes
Pearce, Edward - Enlarge image
Set of Designs for Friezes
- Object:
Print
- Place of origin:
London, England
- Date:
1640 (first published)
1668 (published) - Artist/Maker:
Pearce, Edward (designer)
- Materials and Techniques:
engraving
- Museum number:
E.3624-1907
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level D, case EO, shelf 91
Edward Pearce, the designer of this series, was one of the leading British artists of the Baroque style in his day. As a contemporary and associate of Inigo Jones, he worked particularly on interior decoration. This series of frieze designs reflect Pearce’s taste. Originally published in 1640, this edition is a posthumous reproduction from 1668, ten years after the artist’s death. Like Jones, Pearce believed that buildings should be constructed with strong, masculine exteriors and rich, elaborate interiors. This mix of architectural and florid design is evident throughout the frieze series. Putti drape themselves across bundles of fruit alongside solid architectural frames. During Pearce’s career, Richard Symonds praised him for having the best grasp on perspective of any British artist of the day. This too is evident in the series, and through attentive shading and positioning of various decorative elements, Pearce creates a sense of depth, even in a limited space.
