Haard met bladmotieven 1772 - 1779

This print of a chimney-piece with leaf motifs was made by Jean-Baptiste Bichard in the 18th century. The design reflects the Rococo style which permeated French decorative arts during this period. Consider this in relation to the lives of the working class at this time, who would never have had access to such luxury. These designs allowed artisans to cater to the aristocratic taste for elaborate ornamentation and naturalistic forms. This was a period of social stratification, as the elaborate lifestyle of the aristocracy contrasted sharply with the lives of the working class. The fireplace, laden with leaf motifs, would have been the central meeting point within the household. It represents both a functional object and a symbol of wealth and power. Think about how each curl and flourish speaks to the power relations inherent in spaces of domesticity.