Wandkandelaars, consoles en een slot 1817

Pietro Ruga made this print of wall lights, consoles, and a lock, but we are unsure when. It presents a selection of domestic fittings, items easily overlooked in the grand narratives of art history. Yet, they speak volumes about the social and cultural life of their time. Consider, for instance, the elaborate designs. These weren't for every home. They reflect a world of social stratification, where even the mundane aspects of life became opportunities to display status. The lock, too, is a potent symbol. In a society defined by property and hierarchy, security was paramount. The architectural elements depicted are neoclassical, suggesting an association with Enlightenment ideals of order and reason. The style itself was institutionalized, taught in academies and disseminated through pattern books. To understand these designs more fully, we might consult period architectural manuals and social histories. This print by Ruga reminds us that art history isn't just about grand masterpieces, it's about the everyday objects that shaped the lives and experiences of people in the past.