Vuurbok met vaas en leeuwenkoppen 1772 - 1779

This is Jean Pelletier’s “Vuurbok met vaas en leeuwenkoppen,” or fire-dog with vase and lion heads, made in the 18th century. Pelletier, born in 1736, was working during a period of significant social and cultural shifts, as the Enlightenment ideals began to challenge the old order. The drawing gives us a glimpse into the decorative arts and interior design of the time, reflecting the opulence and grandeur associated with the aristocracy. The symmetrical design, adorned with lion heads and floral garlands, speaks to the period's aesthetic values, yet these lion heads could also symbolize power and dominance, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. How might the design of such an object influence our understanding of power dynamics and social class? Does the artist perpetuate such hierarchies or develop an alternative narrative? This piece serves as a reminder of how art is interwoven with the social and political landscapes of its time.