Settee (one of a pair) (part of a set) 1758 - 1769

This settee, part of a pair, was crafted by Johann Michael Bauer in the 18th century. Immediately striking is its ornate structure, a symphony of gilt carvings set against a pale backdrop. The rigid gridwork of the backrest is softened by meticulously sculpted roses, each one a study in texture and form. The contrast between the settee's strict geometry and its organic embellishments creates a tension that draws the eye. This interplay destabilizes the conventional Rococo ideals, where ornamentation typically flows without restraint. Bauer's arrangement suggests a dialogue between order and nature, a theme resonant with Enlightenment philosophies that sought to classify and understand the natural world through reason. Consider how the gilded surfaces interact with light, casting shadows that animate the floral motifs. This preoccupation with surface and structure, elevates the settee beyond mere utility, transforming it into a complex statement on artifice, nature, and the very act of seeing.