Design for Three Armchairs with Pictorial Upholstery 1830 - 1840

This watercolor sheet presents a design for three armchairs with pictorial upholstery, by an anonymous artist. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where this design originated, but the style suggests late 18th or early 19th century Europe. During this period, the decorative arts experienced a surge in popularity amongst the upper classes. Furniture became a canvas for expressing wealth and cultural refinement. Notice how the chairs feature scenes of landscapes, figures, and floral arrangements; these scenes reflect the prevailing tastes of the time. Country estates and sentimental vignettes were popular motifs, suggesting a desire for an idealized past. The images may reference ownership and the rise of consumer culture. To fully understand this design, we must consider the social and economic context in which it was produced. Researching period furniture design books and upholstery patterns can reveal much about the function of this seemingly simple watercolor. The social life of objects always provides a fascinating glimpse into history.