Tafel met vaas en ronde tafel 1784 - 1785

This print, *Tafel met vaas en ronde tafel,* which translates to "Table with vase and round table," was made by de Saint-Morien. The print is likely a design or presentation drawing for furniture, meant for elite consumers. During this era, furniture and interior design became a way for the wealthy to assert their status, reflecting an elaborate culture of display. These pieces would have been part of creating a cultivated identity. The floral arrangement is typical of displays that communicated refinement and an appreciation for nature. Note the clean lines and symmetrical balance, a hallmark of the Neoclassical style which looked back to ancient Greece and Rome for aesthetic inspiration. The objects are meant to inspire feelings of order and harmony which was an ideal of the Enlightenment period. This aesthetic aimed to offer a sense of control in a rapidly changing world. The print not only reflects the tastes of the time but also highlights how the design and consumption of luxury items were intimately tied to social identity.