Twee commodes 1746 - 1782

This line drawing, titled "Twee commodes," presents two chest of drawers, created by an anonymous artist. This work gives us a glimpse into the world of 18th-century European furniture design and the cultural values embedded within. During this period, furniture was not merely functional; it was a statement of identity, reflecting the owner's social standing, taste, and engagement with cultural trends. Notice how the commodes, one 'in the Bohemian style' and the other 'in the Polish style' incorporate decorative elements that evoke specific cultural identities. While these styles added to the owner's sense of self, they also served to perpetuate stereotypes. Although practical, the chests were designed with display in mind. They would have held intimate, personal objects, but they would also have been conversation pieces, admired for their aesthetic qualities and the stories they told about their owners. In this way, "Twee commodes" illustrates how design objects actively participate in shaping and performing identity within the broader theatre of society.