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How to Draw an Acanthus Leaf

Print
1713 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This image shows an etching by E. Roberday, published in his book Livre des principes de l’ornement ou feuillage grotesque du goust le plus en usage. This etching is an instruction on how to draw an acanthus leaf, which was an essential skill for 17th and 18th century designers and craftsmen, as it was a popular motif in decoration. By going back to the principles of growth seen in nature, Roberday gives life to the increasingly complicated design.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHow to Draw an Acanthus Leaf (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Etching on paper
Brief description
Ornament print, etching on paper, 'How to draw an acanthus leaf', by E Roberday, France, 18th century
Physical description
Print, etching on paper, 'How to draw an acanthus leaf'.
Dimensions
  • Height: 18.8cm
  • Width: 15cm
Object history
Drawing the acanthus was an essential skill for 17th and 18th century designer and craftsmen. By going back to the principles of growth seen in nature Roberday gives life to the increasingly complicated imaginary leaf.
Production
From the book Livres de Principes de l'Ornement, by E. Roberday
Subjects depicted
Summary
This image shows an etching by E. Roberday, published in his book Livre des principes de l’ornement ou feuillage grotesque du goust le plus en usage. This etching is an instruction on how to draw an acanthus leaf, which was an essential skill for 17th and 18th century designers and craftsmen, as it was a popular motif in decoration. By going back to the principles of growth seen in nature, Roberday gives life to the increasingly complicated design.
Collection
Accession number
29833:3

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Record createdMay 11, 2005
Record URL
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