Twee haardschermen, een urn, een kelk en een schaal 1817

This undated print by Pietro Ruga depicts two fire screens, an urn, a chalice, and a bowl. Likely designed for a wealthy household, these objects are a window into the lives of those who sought beauty and status in everyday items. The neoclassical style with symmetrical designs and motifs, such as eagles and garlands, reflect the revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman art. This aesthetic often served to legitimize power and wealth, as it harkened back to empires of the past. Yet, how do these objects relate to our lived experience? Imagine the intimacy of a home where these items were displayed: the warmth of the fire screen, the solemnity of the urn, the ritual of sharing from the chalice. Consider the labor and resources required to produce such items, the complex social relations embedded in their creation and use. These objects remind us that the history of design is deeply intertwined with questions of identity, class, and cultural aspiration.