Vuurbok met putto en vuur 1772 - 1779

This print, "Vuurbok met putto en vuur", was made by Jean Pelletier in the 18th century. It depicts a design for a fire dog, an ornamental support for logs in a fireplace. The design features a putto, a cherubic figure common in classical and Renaissance art, and a flaming brazier. Designs like this circulated widely in 18th-century Europe as part of a growing culture of interior design. These images reflect the values of the elite, their interest in comfort, display and the revival of classical motifs. France was at the center of these trends, setting the standard for taste and luxury. The Rijksmuseum's collection holds many similar prints. By studying these, we get a glimpse into the daily lives and material culture of the past. We can study the political, economic and social conditions that enabled the production and consumption of these decorative objects. The historian considers such images as key documents in understanding social life.