Preparatory Study for Plate 41 in "Maisons de plaisance," Vol. II 1715 - 1774

Jacques François Blondel made this preparatory study for Plate 41 in "Maisons de plaisance," volume two, with pen and brown ink. Though seemingly traditional, the drawing is linked to capitalism through the culture of leisure it depicts, a culture enabled by emerging industrial practices. The work emphasizes the lifestyle of the wealthy, showcasing symbols of leisure and affluence such as gardens, flowers, and cherubic figures. It is important to note that the paper itself was a commodity, and the ink would have been carefully mixed, hinting at a hidden world of labor and skill. Blondel’s technique involves careful strokes, the labor-intensive process speaking volumes about the meticulous craftsmanship valued in the 18th century. Paying attention to such works helps us to consider the social context of objects, and reminds us that the distinction between art and craft is often blurry, and rooted in social and economic values.