Kaste 1832 - 1877

This print from an unknown maker, likely an engraving with hand-colouring, depicts a design for a small cabinet, or ‘kaste’ in Dutch. The print emerged from a Parisian furniture 'magasin,' or store. In late 18th-century France, the decorative arts became central to displays of wealth and status. Furniture design was influenced by the court of Louis XVI, known for its opulence and refinement. Here we see gilded ornamentation, classical motifs, and luxurious materials like marble, all signifiers of elite taste. The print itself served a key function in this culture: disseminating designs to a wider audience. These images fuelled consumer desire and shaped ideas of what constituted 'good' design. Examining trade catalogues and design publications from this era reveals the complex networks through which taste was manufactured and distributed. By considering the role of institutions like furniture stores and the popular press, we can understand how the visual language of luxury was constructed and consumed.