Design for Two Chairs 1765 - 1795

This is an ink drawing of ‘Design for Two Chairs’ by an anonymous artist. The chairs are a manifestation of status, a signal of who gets to sit, who deserves to sit, and of course, who must stand. This design offers us an intimate look at the artistic process behind functional objects, and gives insight into the decorative tastes of a particular era. The chairs are reminiscent of the Louis XVI style, which would situate them in the late 18th century. This was a period defined by courtly life, and the opulence of the French aristocracy. But more broadly, this was also the age of revolution. It asks us to consider the historical and social context in which an object of comfort and beauty is designed, produced, and used. The design shows an interest in elegance, even excess, and we might ask what such design choices reflect about the values of the society. What did it mean to design, create, and own such objects?