Twee ladekasten 1832 - 1877

Editor: This lithograph print from between 1832 and 1877 depicts two chest of drawers. It's attributed to an anonymous artist, described as furniture in the style of decorative art. They look like designs, perhaps for a furniture maker. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The emphasis on material production is key. This isn't just a representation of furniture; it’s a document detailing potential commodities and consumption. Consider the means: lithography allowed for relatively mass production of these designs. How does that contrast with the artisanal craftsmanship the drawers themselves evoke? Editor: That's interesting. So you see it as less about the aesthetic of the furniture, and more about the business behind it? Curator: Precisely. Think about the social context. Neoclassical design was a status symbol, but who had access to these images? Who were the target consumers? And, critically, who were the labourers involved in both the printing of this design, and potentially, the creation of these chests of drawers? Editor: The details in the drawings make it easy to overlook the larger commercial picture. The print, and the furniture are all commodities made possible by someone’s labour. It makes you think about the hidden costs and connections in this type of artwork. Curator: Indeed. It's a reminder to consider art and design within the wider system of production and consumption, challenging the art/craft divide. Editor: I hadn't considered how much the means of production affect the art itself, very insightful. Thanks.