Stoel en poef 1772 - 1779

Nicolas Dupin created this print of a chair and footstool sometime in the late 18th century. These designs, labeled for a duchess and a dauphine, offer us a glimpse into the culture of luxury and aristocratic life in pre-revolutionary France. The print creates meaning through its visual codes, drawing on associations of royalty and wealth through its ornate, classical design. Consider how geography, religion, historical events, social class, political movements, and economic structures influence the artwork of the time. This print reflects a society on the brink of revolution, where the excesses of the aristocracy were increasingly at odds with the struggles of the common people. Through careful examination of sources, like the engravings of furniture makers, court records of commissions, and the writings of social critics, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, power, and society in 18th-century France.