Sociable #557 1865 - 1875

This print, ‘Sociable #557’ of indeterminate date, presents a side view of a carriage on a rectangular sheet. The composition emphasizes line and form over depth, creating a flattened, diagrammatic effect. The carriage is rendered with meticulous lines in black, red and yellow, against a neutral ground. The wheels, rendered in red, provide a vibrant contrast to the otherwise muted palette. The interplay of straight and curved lines articulates the mechanical and decorative elements of the carriage, inviting an examination of design and function. The artist destabilizes traditional modes of representation by presenting the carriage as a set of abstract forms, challenging the viewer's expectations of perspective and realism. The title, handwritten inscription, and the serial number point to a system of classification and standardization, indicative of a culture consumed with categorizing and controlling its environment. The linear precision and formal arrangement invite reflection on the interplay between artistic representation and industrial design.