Dessus-de-portes met rookvat en vaas 1784 - 1785

Augustin Foin made this drawing, Dessus-de-portes met rookvat en vaas, with pen in the mid-eighteenth century. The symmetrical arrangement of decorative vases and wreaths suggests its intention as a design for interior architectural ornament, a common practice among artists in France at the time. The drawing encapsulates the aesthetic values of the Rococo, a style that dominated European art during the 18th century. Rococo was characterized by elaborate ornamentation, asymmetry, and a focus on light and playful themes. This artistic movement reflects a shift in the social and cultural landscape, moving away from the grandeur and formality of the Baroque period towards a more intimate and pleasure-seeking aristocratic culture. As art historians, we look to sources like period treatises on design to understand how such images were used and interpreted. The role of art was deeply intertwined with social life, serving to enhance the status and enjoyment of the privileged classes. This drawing, therefore, offers us a window into the aspirations and tastes of an era defined by elegance and refinement.