Twee canapés 1895

Curator: "Twee canapés," drawn in 1895 by Léon Laroche – or at least attributed to him, a little digging around is necessary to verify – seem pulled from a fairy tale! What strikes you about this delicate drawing? Editor: It's the "twee," all right. The color palette and the fringe are like something out of a Wes Anderson film. What's interesting to you, with your expertise? Curator: You nailed it! “Twee” encapsulates a deliberate aesthetic, and these drawings embody the stylized sensibility of the decorative arts and Art Nouveau, emphasizing beauty for beauty's sake. The forms are organic, but the layout reminds us these were printed; the emphasis feels aspirational, like flipping through *House Beautiful*. I want those scallops on the back, and what stories they could inspire! What do you imagine *their* purpose might have been? Editor: Almost stage props? They seem designed for admiring more than for, say, actually lounging. So, were these mass-produced furniture designs or... bespoke pieces for the *bon chic bon genre* set? Curator: Probably both. Prints like these circulated amongst designers, upholsterers, and their affluent clients, presenting possibilities, prompting conversations about individual tastes. I mean, that top sofa *screams* 19th century Little Mermaid. I'm fascinated by how everyday objects are viewed through the lenses of both functionality and pure aesthetic delight. Editor: It's interesting how something so clearly designed can feel almost... dreamlike? I’ll definitely be looking for the balance of practicality and whimsy going forward. Curator: Wonderful, isn't it, how one object can change your entire point of view? Thanks for sharing this moment!