Ontwerp voor een spiegel met het pauselijk wapen c. 1775

Luigi Valadier made this design for a mirror frame, sometime in the 18th century, on a piece of paper with graphite. At first glance, this seems like a simple technical drawing, and of course it is. But it also offers insight into the world of luxury production in the 1700s. The drawing shows how a mirror frame, with the papal coat of arms at the top, might be realized. As a designer, Valadier would have been deeply involved in the practicalities of bringing this concept to life. The frame itself would likely have been carved from wood, perhaps gilded, with the papal arms made of cast metal. The whole design would be a product of many hands, representing a hierarchy of skills. Valadier's drawing makes clear that even the most elaborate, seemingly effortless objects are the result of careful planning, labor and expertise. It reminds us to consider the full material story behind every artwork we encounter.