Lantaarnpaal c. 1830 - 1850

This drawing by Firma Feuchère is a design for a streetlight, rendered with graphite on paper. The choice of graphite allows for precise lines and subtle gradations of tone, essential for conveying the intricate details of the lamp's design. The material itself—graphite—speaks to a specific moment in industrial history. Graphite became widely available in the 19th century because of new mining and manufacturing techniques. It could also be mass-produced, linking the design of something like a streetlight to wider social issues of industrial labor and urban development. The design also evokes the skilled traditions of metalworking through its suggestion of cast iron and ornamentation. The drawing, therefore, represents both the artistic vision and the practical considerations of mass production. The material itself, in this case, becomes a key to understanding the broader context of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and industrial design.