Diverses Pieces de Serruriers, page 6 (recto) 1658 - 1668

Jean Berain created this print, "Diverses Pieces de Serruriers," during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a time when France was consolidating power under Louis XIV. Berain was employed as a designer to the Royal Court. This print is part of a series of design ideas for metalwork, showcasing intricate patterns for locks, keys, and decorative ironwork. These designs speak to the period's emphasis on luxury and display, but they also remind us that these objects served very practical purposes. Locks and keys were symbols of power and control, defining who had access and who was excluded. The ornamental details elevate these everyday objects, revealing how design can transform function into a statement of social status. Reflecting on the history of access and control embedded in these designs might prompt us to consider the physical and metaphorical barriers that persist in our own world.