Design for a Centerpiece 1700 - 1800

This design for a centerpiece, whose maker is currently unknown, appears to come from a time when dining was as much a theatrical event as it was a meal. The drawing offers us insight into the aesthetics of elite dining. Think of the display of power and wealth these centerpieces represented, reflecting the aspirations and social hierarchies of their time. The inclusion of female sphinxes, mythical creatures known for their wisdom and guardianship, reflects the complex ways femininity was understood. They are both powerful and decorative, embodying ideals of beauty and intellect. Imagine the conversations this centerpiece might have sparked at dinner, the way its presence shaped the atmosphere of the room. Its existence reminds us of the power of design to create meaning, to influence how we see ourselves and each other.