Kast met masker en hoornen des overvloeds 1772 - 1779

This is Philibert Boutrois's design for a cabinet, made using etching and printed from a metal plate. The title tells us of a mask and cornucopia. These are motifs that would have resonated with viewers at the time, evoking classical associations and ideas of luxury and abundance. This print was made in France, most likely in the 18th century. The French aristocracy loved to fill their homes with exquisitely-crafted furniture. The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, was a symbol of wealth and prosperity used in both ancient Greek and Roman art, which the French upper classes referenced to associate themselves with the grandeur of those empires. Furniture design books like this one helped to spread these ideas. We can understand the meaning and impact of this artwork better by looking at the social history of design and the decorative arts. We can research primary sources, such as other design books, and secondary literature, such as academic studies of French furniture making. In this way, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped the production of this image.