Canapé, fauteuil en twee stoelen 1885 - 1895

This print by Léon Laroche illustrates a suite of furniture, including a canapé and chairs, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The Louis XV style depicted here is all about elegance and refinement, and the print beautifully captures the delicate forms and decorative details of the furniture. Note the intricate carving of the wooden frames, probably achieved through hand-craftsmanship that requires a lot of labor. The soft, flowing lines and floral motifs are typical of the Rococo style. The print itself is a form of industrial production, made for circulation. It would have served as a catalog or design proposal, catering to a market that desired historical revival pieces. This speaks to the rising middle class of the time, who sought to emulate the lifestyles of the aristocracy through consumer goods. This print challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, reminding us that even seemingly functional objects can be imbued with artistic skill and cultural significance.