Ontwerp voor een terrine gedecoreerd met kreeft 1738 - 1749

This is Gabriel Huquier’s etching of a terrine, a design for luxury tableware, made in the 18th century. This era in France was characterized by a rigid class structure with the aristocracy indulging in conspicuous displays of wealth and refinement. The terrine is presented with a focus on its elaborate ornamentation. The crustacean perched atop symbolizes the opulence of aristocratic dining, reflecting the identities of those who could afford such luxuries. Huquier’s design is a manifestation of cultural and economic power, crafted during a period where art and everyday objects reinforced social hierarchies. The terrine is more than a vessel; it represents a lifestyle marked by exclusivity and excess. Consider how such designs contributed to the visual culture of the time, shaping perceptions of class and status, and how these historical objects continue to speak to the ongoing dialogues about inequality and privilege.