Tafel after 1878

This print of a table, made in Paris, was published in 1851 by V.L. Quétin. The print comes from a series titled "Le Magasin de Meubles", or "The Furniture Store". The image presents a detailed rendering of a table "in the style of Henri II". We should consider the social and cultural context of 19th-century France and its fascination with historical styles. The rising middle class had disposable income and wanted to show off its wealth. The referenced Henri II, French monarch from the 16th century, was the perfect reference, indicating sophistication and an appreciation for French history. Furniture stores appeared to meet the demands of the time. To fully understand this print, we would delve into the history of furniture design, the rise of consumer culture, and the influence of historical revivals on 19th-century taste, using resources such as trade catalogs and design journals. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can appreciate the meaning of this artwork as something contingent on historical forces.