Étagère 1855 - 1860

Julius Dessoir crafted this étagère, or ornamental stand, from wood in the nineteenth century. Note the prominent use of spirals and volutes. Such motifs carry a long lineage, echoing the coiled forms of ancient Ionic columns. These classical elements were revived in the Renaissance and continue to be reinterpreted. The volute, initially adorning temples, became a symbol of prestige, adopted into domestic settings as markers of refinement and cultural knowledge. Consider how these swirling shapes might stir something primal within us. Perhaps it is the subconscious recognition of forms found in nature, like unfurling ferns or spiraling galaxies, which evoke a sense of growth and the infinite. The spirals create a visual rhythm, offering a sense of balance and harmony. This étagère is not merely a piece of furniture, but a node in a network of symbols, a testament to how forms persist, are reborn, and resonate across time.