Design for Chairs, Louis Quinze Style 1835 - 1900

Robert William Hume made this design for chairs in the Louis Quinze style, using pen and watercolor on paper. The Louis Quinze style, or Louis XV, named for the French King, was popular during the 18th century, a period of economic prosperity in France, which led to a greater demand for luxury goods. Looking closely, we can see the emphasis on asymmetry and elaborate ornamentation with the floral carvings and curvilinear forms. These design elements would have been extremely labor intensive, requiring specialized skills in woodworking and upholstery. These chairs are more than functional objects, they are signifiers of status and wealth. By understanding the historical context and the labor involved in their production, we can appreciate the social and cultural values embedded in these designs. This drawing invites us to consider the relationship between design, craftsmanship, and the wider socio-economic forces that shape our material world.