Tafel 1832 - 1877

This print by an anonymous artist shows a table which would have been made from carved wood, perhaps with a marble top. The print is from a series titled "Le Magasin de Meubles", suggesting it was produced to advertise furniture available for purchase, an early form of consumer culture. The design of the table reflects a neoclassical style, popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It shows that the object's value comes from its visual impact and the sense of luxury it creates. This contrasts with the more practical needs it satisfies, like a simple surface to place things on. The labor involved in producing such a table would have been considerable, involving skilled woodworkers and carvers. The print itself is an interesting artifact, representing the commodification of taste and the increasing availability of luxury goods to a wider public. It challenges traditional notions of art by blurring the lines between design, craft, and commerce.