Twee boekenkasten 1772 - 1779

This print of two bookcases was made in the late 1700s by Nicolas Dupin, delineating furniture designs. The rendering of wood in the print is a testament to the engraver’s skilled hand. Notice the material qualities represented here. Wood is a natural resource, but here it has been transformed into a highly stylized, geometric form, fit for an elite interior. Each element of the pieces – the fluted legs, Greek key pattern, and delicate garlands – suggests a division of labor, with specialized craftsmen responsible for each. Consider how these objects reflect not only a certain taste, but also the broader social and economic conditions of the era. The ability to commission such refined furnishings speaks volumes about the patron’s status. So, next time you encounter an object like this, remember to look beyond its surface appeal, and consider the intricate web of materials, making, and social context that gives it meaning.