Dressing table set 1887 - 1911

Editor: We’re looking at a stunning dressing table set, crafted in silver and other metals by André Aucoc between 1887 and 1911. It’s currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The uniformity in design is striking, a pleasing assembly. What is your take on this work, observing its purely visual language? Curator: The dressing table set immediately impresses with its adherence to the Art Nouveau style. Note how each element contributes to a cohesive whole, unified by a delicate, curvilinear vocabulary. Consider the mirror: its octagonal form softened by floral embellishments and echoed in each component of the set. Editor: I hadn’t focused on the repetition of forms across all the pieces. Is there any way to interpret that geometrically, or stylistically? Curator: Absolutely. The repeated use of the octagon creates a structural harmony. Note also the contrasting textures - the smoothness of the silver juxtaposed against the subtle iridescence of the mother-of-pearl inlay, or even the softness of the cushions provided. These details, along with the precision of the metalwork, demonstrate a commitment to both beauty and function. The lighting, or implied lighting, accentuates each volume in subtle ways, providing just the correct nuance. What would be the role of lighting, either candle light or room lighting in this decorative and highly formalized grouping? Editor: I see, the reflective qualities add another dimension. So it's about considering how light interacts with the materials as much as the shapes themselves? It feels more contemporary somehow. Curator: Precisely. Art Nouveau frequently pushed boundaries by exploring new combinations of materials and forms to evoke the essence of natural beauty. The visual effect of a room lit up using the pieces in this set could not be understated, a space filled with beauty and carefully constructed elements. The placement of light and shade plays a major role in the expression of each volume and void. Editor: I learned a lot about interpreting unity and attention to detail today! Curator: Indeed, considering its composition highlights the aesthetic values embedded within this era.