Tafel en vide poche 1772 - 1779

This drawing of a ‘Tafel en vide poche’ at the Rijksmuseum, was created by Nicolas Dupin, a French designer, in the late 18th century. At a time when Europe was dominated by aristocratic excess, Dupin rendered designs that epitomized refinement. Consider the culture of display, the meticulous designs, and the attention to detail. Here, we see more than just furniture. These objects represent a society deeply invested in aesthetics and status. Think about the labor and resources required to produce such pieces during this period. Who would have commissioned and owned these items? What does this tell us about the society in which they were made? This drawing invites us to consider the economic and social structures of 18th-century France, a world on the brink of revolution. It’s a peek into the lives of the privileged, crafted just before those lives were upended.