Kast 1832 - 1877

This print depicts a 'Buffet de Salon', or sideboard, rendered in the style of André Charles Boulle and published by V. Quetin in Paris. Boulle was a cabinetmaker who worked for Louis XIV, and who became known for his distinctive marquetry technique using tortoiseshell and brass. Here, the print functions as an advertisement for luxury furniture. In 19th century France, the burgeoning middle class sought to emulate the aristocratic style. This image creates meaning by conjuring the association with the lavish interiors of the French monarchy, whilst also referencing contemporary taste through the title "Le Magasin de Meubles", suggesting that furniture of this kind was available in a department store. The fact that this sideboard is presented as a reproducible print also signifies a shift in the status of furniture; no longer purely the preserve of the aristocracy, now its designs could circulate to a wider audience. By studying trade catalogues and design archives, we can understand how institutions shape the circulation of imagery and taste.