Girandole, nachtkast en muziekstandaard 1784 - 1785

Curator: This print presents three pieces of furniture: a girandole, a nightstand, and a music stand. It’s attributed to de Saint-Morien, dating back to 1784-1785, rendered as a drawing and engraving on paper in the neoclassical style. At the time of creation the relationship between patron and artisan has never been closer or more interesting. Editor: What strikes me immediately is this air of precision and… constraint. It feels almost like a catalog page, devoid of any real warmth. You can practically smell the beeswax polish though can’t you? Even on paper it brings a level of home with its presence. Curator: Exactly. The line work is incredibly clean, emphasizing the idealized forms so favored in Neoclassicism. These objects, ostensibly for domestic use, become showcases for elegance. Editor: Elegance maybe, but almost sterilized! The stark presentation almost dehumanizes these functional objects. There are objects you could use, and then these are presented almost with reverence in comparison! Where’s the clutter? Where’s the evidence of actual living? Curator: I'd argue that this perceived sterility *is* the point. The engraving, with its attention to detail, speaks to the social value placed on refined taste and craftsmanship, which certainly would dictate organization skills like this would express the owner of these objects to show that skill as such. Editor: That's a fair point; it speaks to aspirations as much as realities, you know. Although the actual creation of such works probably required considerable time and resources! Still, if they're creating works from this drawing… how accurate do you feel it actually represents reality? Is the perfection obtainable at this level or only something dreamed of? Curator: Precisely. It bridges that gap, doesn’t it? And in viewing it you do the same. Editor: You got it, I love pondering possibilities within an old draft. Thanks! Curator: A fitting insight into production with social influence that you touched on there. A wonderful analysis.