Ronde tafel 1784 - 1785

This detailed design for a 'Ronde Tafel' or round table, comes to us from Augustin Foin, dating back to the 18th century. Born in 1726, Foin was working in a period where design reflected the aristocratic elite. This drawing offers insight into the aesthetic preferences and social values of the era. The design presents an object meant for display, symbolizing status and taste rather than mere utility. We can read it as a representation of power and privilege, deeply intertwined with the rigid social hierarchies of the time. Consider how such designs played a part in constructing and maintaining societal roles, dictating not only style but also influencing the dynamics of interaction within domestic spaces. While seemingly a simple sketch, it holds a mirror to the complexities of class and the decorative arts in the 1700s.