Interior of a Small Salon 1815 - 1871

Simon-Claude Constant-Dufeux rendered this watercolor and graphite sketch, Interior of a Small Salon, sometime in the mid-19th century. It offers us a glimpse into the world of Parisian interior design, but also the social aspirations of the bourgeoisie in France. The architectural symmetry and ornamentation speak to the cultural elite. This salon, likely commissioned by a wealthy client, reflects a desire for refined taste and social status. The lavish use of gold trim, plush fabrics, and delicate furniture showcases the owner's economic power. This carefully designed interior becomes a stage for social interactions, where appearances matter and taste is a form of currency. Was this a conservative or progressive statement for the time? Perhaps, as it attempts to democratize a lifestyle previously reserved for the aristocracy. To fully understand the significance of Constant-Dufeux's sketch, one can delve into the archives of design history, social commentaries, and economic records from 19th-century France.