Ontwerp voor een terrine 1738 - 1749

Gabriel Huquier created this etching of a terrine design sometime in the 18th century. The terrine, elevated on ornate feet, is detailed with floral embellishments and topped with a finial shaped like a pinecone, symbolizing hospitality and abundance. France, during this period, was a crucible of artistic innovation, driven by aristocratic patronage and the rise of decorative arts. Huquier, as a designer and printmaker, played a crucial role in disseminating these styles. This print not only showcases the aesthetic preferences of the era but also reflects the burgeoning market for luxury goods and the evolving tastes of the French elite. Through studying sources like period inventories and design compendiums, one can better grasp the social life of objects like these. Art history, in this instance, becomes a cultural history, revealing how design both mirrored and shaped the social norms of its time.