Ontwerp voor een lichtkroon c. 1835

This is a design for a chandelier, made by Jean-Jacques Feuchère using pen and paper. The drawing shows an elaborate, multi-tiered chandelier with intricate details like scrolling foliage and classical figures. You can almost feel the weight of the metal in its curves. A piece like this would require the skills of numerous artisans: modelers, founders, chasers, and gilders, each with specialized knowledge passed down through generations. The process is labor-intensive, involving meticulous handwork at every stage. Consider the social context: this chandelier was likely intended for a wealthy client, a symbol of luxury and status. The very design speaks to a culture of opulence, where elaborate decoration and skilled craftsmanship were highly valued. Looking at this drawing, we can see the complex relationship between art, craft, and commerce, challenging the idea that design is somehow separate from making.