Tafel en cul-de-lampe 1745 - 1775

This is an undated engraving of a ‘table en cul-de-lampe’ by an anonymous artist, held in the Rijksmuseum. The print depicts two intricately designed pieces of furniture: a table, or ‘secretaire’, and a wall-mounted bracket often used to support a decorative object. The image offers us a glimpse into the material culture of a specific social class, likely the bourgeoisie or aristocracy, who would have populated their homes with such refined objects. How were social hierarchies maintained and expressed through the crafting and display of status symbols? The lack of known authorship also raises important questions about labor and identity. Who were the artisans behind these luxurious objects? How were they recognized, or not, for their contributions to the art world? It’s a sobering thought to consider the lives and stories of those whose artistic labor remains unacknowledged. This print serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between art, identity, and social structures.