Zijpaneel van koets of draagstoel c. 1680 - 1693

Alexis Loir made this design for the side panel of a coach or sedan chair with pen and ink around the turn of the 18th century. At this time, the French aristocracy were keen to display their wealth and status through elaborate modes of transport. The image's meaning arises from the use of classical motifs such as the draped female figure reminiscent of a caryatid, garlands of foliage, and an eagle motif at the base. These design elements deliberately evoked the grandeur of the ancient world, associating the owner of the coach with the power and prestige of past empires. The owl, a symbol of wisdom, might indicate that the owner wished to be seen as learned and cultured. Art historians consult a range of resources to understand images like this. These can include contemporary design books, accounts of court life, and surviving examples of coaches. By understanding its social and institutional context, we can properly interpret the cultural meaning of this design.