Two Rectangular Mirrors and Three Sconces 1701 - 1703

Daniël Marot created this print of two rectangular mirrors and three sconces. The print presents a series of luxury goods designed for the homes of Europe’s elite. Marot’s designs exemplify the decorative style known as “Louis XIV,” which radiated outward from the court at Versailles. Consider how the image creates meaning through its visual codes. The symmetry, the classical references, and the sheer opulence are all markers of power. These forms shaped the tastes of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Marot was working within a system of royal patronage. His work helped to reinforce a particular image of monarchy. But it also helped to disseminate French taste throughout Europe more broadly. To understand this image better, we might ask: how did the institution of monarchy shape the production of art? What was the relationship between artistic style and political power? To answer these questions, we can consult sources such as period inventories of royal collections.