Nachtkastje en tafel 1885 - 1895

Here we have a print made in 1884 by Léon Laroche, showcasing a nightstand and a table in the Louis XV style. Observe the ornamentation: the gilded, flowing lines, the cabriole legs—hallmarks of a style that revels in opulence and natural forms. These sinuous curves and flourishes are not merely decorative; they echo motifs found in earlier periods, such as the Hellenistic period’s acanthus leaves, which symbolized prosperity and immortality. Just as the ancient Greeks and Romans borrowed from even older cultures, so too does the Louis XV style reflect a desire to reconnect with an idealized past. The motif reappears later in the Art Nouveau movement. Consider how these recurring forms—the curve, the leaf, the flourish—tap into our collective memory, resonating with us on a primal level. The craving for luxury, the desire for connection, and the appeal of beauty remain powerful forces, transcending the centuries.