Buffetkast, kast en tafel 1885 - 1895

This print by Léon Laroche illustrates a suite of furniture, a buffet, cabinet, and table, likely dating to the late 19th century. Rendered with a light touch, it depicts objects made of wood, a material that invites shaping, carving, and elaborate joinery. The designs suggest a world of skilled labor. Notice the turned table legs, the applied ornaments, and the mirror in the cabinet - each element requiring time and expertise. Mass production was ascendant during this period, yet this furniture emphasizes handcraft, intended for a clientele seeking individualized luxury. Consider the social context implied by these designs. Meant for elaborate presentation and formal dining, they speak of a world of servants and social display. These objects embody a specific moment in the history of design – a time of transition between hand production and industrial manufacturing, labor and politics, and consumption. Ultimately, this print reminds us that every object, even those seemingly traditional, is deeply entwined with the economic forces that shaped its creation.