Wall Design 1700 - 1800

This wall design was created by Leonardo Marini, sometime in the late 18th century, with graphite on paper. The drawing gives us an insight into the making of interior architecture of the time. Consider the amount of labor that would go into producing a wall like this, with its complex joinery, molding, and painted decoration. This was work executed by teams of highly skilled carpenters, carvers, and painters. The design reflects a society that prized handcraftsmanship, and where ornament was valued. It is easy to see the inherent qualities of the materials; the graphite is soft, precise and capable of capturing fine details. It gives us a sense of the final design and helps us imagine the texture, weight, and form of the wooden wall. The design is more than just aesthetic; it speaks to social issues, the politics of display, and the consumption of luxury goods. Looking at this drawing, we can appreciate how materials, making, and context are essential in understanding an artwork's full meaning. It challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.