Canapé after 1878

This print from 1862 depicts a canapé, a small sofa, designed by Henri de Montgommery and published in Paris by V.L. Quetin. The image comes from a series titled "Le Magasin de Meubles," which translates to "The Furniture Store," a telling title that points us to the print's original function as a form of advertising. While today we might see such an image displayed in a museum and reflect on its aesthetic qualities, it was intended to be viewed as a commercial object. We should consider it as part of the broader history of consumer culture, and how the production and dissemination of images was becoming intertwined with the marketing of luxury goods. The canapé itself speaks to a particular class and their consumption habits during the Second Empire. By looking at sources like trade publications, design catalogs, and social histories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of these artifacts.