Boekenkast 1895 - 1935

This image is a lithograph of a Boekenkast, or bookcase, by Léon Laroche. The printmaking process is itself significant. Lithography allowed for the relatively inexpensive production of images of luxury goods. Note how the design emphasizes the inherent qualities of the materials. The texture of the wood, likely fine-grained and imported, is suggested through subtle shading. The weight of the object, implied by its grand scale and ornate carvings, speaks to the wealth and status of its intended owner. The form, inspired by the Louis XV style, reflects a desire for elegance and refinement, yet it is the precise craft tradition that is most suggestive. It is a testament to the skill of the cabinetmaker who would have originally produced it. Ultimately, this print transcends its function as a mere catalog image. It invites us to consider the social and cultural values embedded in design, labor, and consumption. It challenges any rigid distinctions between the fine and decorative arts.