Rolbureau c. 1760 - 1765

This is an architect's drawing of a Rolbureau by J.L.Th. Baijer. It seems to be made with pencil and ink on paper. Look closely and you will see the linear precision and the attention to detail used to depict the furniture. The drawing is more than a mere representation; it is a carefully constructed image of a manufactured object. The intention is to communicate the design and the overall aesthetic of the roll-top desk, capturing its form and elegance. The techniques used here point to traditions of technical drawing and design, as well as a creative practice between craft and fine art. The amount of work put into the plan reflects the labor that went into the production process of luxury items during that time. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can appreciate the artistry and social significance embedded within the design, blurring the lines between art and craft.