Canapé 1885 - 1895

Léon Laroche composed this lithograph of a canapé, with watercolor, and gouache details. The chair, depicted in profile, exhibits a balanced composition with its horizontal lines of the seat and backrest, grounded by the vertical legs. The materiality of the piece—smooth paper contrasting with the plush fabric of the chair—adds to its visual appeal. Laroche employs the visual language of the Empire style. Note the classical motifs and symmetry, which create a sense of order and harmony, yet also a sense of rigid formality. The color palette is carefully considered; the muted greens and golds suggest refinement. This lithograph, while seemingly a straightforward depiction of furniture, operates within a broader system of signs and symbols, reflecting the values and aesthetic preferences of its time.