Cabinet 1857 - 1860

This cabinet was designed by Léon Marcotte, probably in the 1860s, using wood, glass, and metal. Notice the glossy black surface, achieved through a painstaking process of applying many layers of lacquer. This material gives the cabinet a sleek and modern look, even though it was made over a century ago. The cabinet is not just a functional piece of furniture; it's also a display of wealth and status. The use of luxurious materials and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its creation speak to the values of the Gilded Age, when conspicuous consumption was the order of the day. Consider the labor involved in creating such a piece. While Marcotte was the designer, many skilled artisans would have been needed to bring his vision to life, from the cabinetmakers to the lacquerers to the metalworkers. By focusing on the materials and processes used to create this cabinet, we can gain a deeper understanding of its historical and social context. It challenges the traditional art history boundaries, and urges us to consider the broader cultural landscape in which it was made.