Design for a Cabinet with Portrait Rondel 1800 - 1900

This design for a cabinet with portrait rondel was rendered by an anonymous artist, with pen and black ink, watercolor, and graphite on laid paper. The drawing is precise, almost as if the artist was also a cabinet maker. The design features classical motifs, fluted pilasters, geometric friezes, and a portrait medallion, which speak to the revival of antique forms during this period. Notice the contrast between the black lacquer-like ground and the delicate, swirling patterns in the panels. This effect would likely have been achieved through marquetry, a painstaking process of inlaying different materials into a wood veneer. The design reflects a culture of luxury and refinement, where even functional objects like cabinets were elevated to the status of art. It is important to consider the labor involved in producing such a piece, from the skilled artisans who executed the marquetry to the individuals involved in sourcing the materials, reflecting the complex networks of production and consumption.