Twee rijtuigen 1817

Pietro Ruga made this print to show two carriages, rendered with fine lines that suggest the possibilities of design. The printmaking technique here is key, probably an etching, which allows for a delicate description of form. In their time, carriages were not merely utilitarian but were a potent expression of social status. The quality of their design, materials, and craftsmanship spoke volumes about the owner’s wealth and taste. The very labor involved in the carriages production—from the wheelwright’s carpentry to the upholsterer’s needlework, all the way to the blacksmith’s forging of iron components—was substantial. This image captures this complexity, alluding to many different workshops, each with their own traditions. By focusing on the processes and skills embedded in the design, we can appreciate how such an image can prompt us to think more broadly about the links between design, production and society.