Twee stoelen met gestreepte bekleding 1745 - 1775

This print shows two chairs with striped upholstery, and was made by an anonymous artist. We can assume it was made for a very specific purpose. Luxury goods like these chairs played a key role in solidifying social hierarchies in 18th century France. As visual shorthand, they spoke volumes about the wealth, taste, and social standing of their owners. These cabriolet chairs are presented for their aesthetic and social value. Notice the emphasis on their elegant curves and the decorative details. The presence of this print is very revealing. By circulating images of luxury goods such as these, this print provided access for a wider audience to observe and learn about the social rituals of the upper class. For the art historian, objects like these chairs and images like this print offer a glimpse into the intricate dance of social display and aspiration that defined the era. To understand it better, we might consult period inventories, etiquette manuals, and other visual representations of elite life.