Haardscherm en twee bijzettafels 1772 - 1779

This print, made by Nicolas Dupin, presents a fireplace screen flanked by two side tables. The composition, rendered in delicate lines and subtle gradations, invites us to consider the formal qualities of rococo design. Note how Dupin employs symmetry and balance. The central screen acts as an anchor, its rectangular form contrasting with the more fluid, organic shapes of the tables. These are adorned with garlands and foliage. This interplay between geometric structure and naturalistic ornament is typical of the period, reflecting a broader cultural interest in harmony and order. The piece also reveals the semiotic system through which status was communicated. These objects, finely wrought and elegantly presented, signal wealth, taste, and social refinement. Consider also the drawing's function. As a design template, it straddles the line between art and utility. This prompts us to question the conventional hierarchies that separate the fine and decorative arts. In this regard, Dupin’s print challenges fixed meanings and engages with new ways of thinking about representation.