Fauteuil, stoel en tafel 1885 - 1895

Here's a look at "Fauteuil, stoel en tafel" an undated print by Léon Laroche, displaying a furniture set. The appeal of this image is in its crisp precision, which elevates it above the status of a mere advertisement or catalogue of goods. The suite of furniture has been crafted from wood, and the chair upholstered in fabric; the marble-topped table adds a touch of luxury. What I find fascinating is the way this print documents an aspirational lifestyle. The Empire style suggests the trappings of power and wealth. It takes significant labour to bring objects like this into being. The various craftspeople involved would need to be highly skilled in carving, joinery, upholstery, and the delicate application of decorative details. In appreciating this image, we shouldn't only consider the final forms. We should remember the many hands that brought the drawing, and the objects depicted, into being. This is a reminder of the social context that underpins all design.