Ontwerp voor detail tafelstuk c. 1864 - 1894

Henri Cameré made this sketch of a table centerpiece with pencil, at an unknown time and place. The design offers a glimpse into the world of courtly dining, visualizing a society in which ornate displays of wealth and power were part of daily life. Although we don't know exactly when and where it was made, we can guess that it was made for the upper classes in Europe, who throughout the 18th and 19th centuries used elaborate table settings to show off their sophistication and status. Silverware, porcelain, and glassware, as well as impressive centerpieces, were status symbols, and they helped to create an environment of opulence. Historians use sources such as inventories, etiquette manuals, and even cookbooks to learn more about the rituals and customs of courtly life. By looking closely at designs such as this one, we can discover what art tells us about social structure.