Foot-rule, square and level 1750 - 1775

Jacques Baradelle crafted this foot-rule, square, and level, measuring approximately 13 3/4 inches in length, sometime in the 18th century. The tool's stark, geometric composition is immediately striking, defined by the sharp right angle formed by the ruler and the level. This angularity is softened by the delicate, flowing engravings that adorn its surface. The contrast between the tool's rigid structure and the organic motifs introduces a fascinating tension, destabilizing its purely functional identity. The engravings, rendered in a style that evokes the decorative arts of the period, transform the instrument into a kind of cultural artifact. We can interpret the ruler as a sign, its structure adhering to semiotic principles of precision, while the engravings serve as codes, reflecting the aesthetic values and societal nuances. Ultimately, the foot-rule, square and level challenges our perception of utility. It invites us to consider how objects serve not only practical purposes but also function as carriers of cultural meaning.