Furniture Design 1565 - 1570

This “Furniture Design” was etched by Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau, likely sometime in the mid-16th century. The print is made from an iron plate using engraving tools and acid to create the design. The process allowed for multiples to be printed onto paper. This wasn't fine art in the modern sense, but a functional design, intended for a piece of furniture, likely to be made from wood. It demonstrates the skill of the designer, and the labor required of the craftsman who would translate this print into three dimensions. Looking at this image, one gets a sense of the Renaissance fascination with classical forms. These motifs required highly skilled artisans, able to carve complex patterns into expensive materials. The design emphasizes the social status of the person who would own the finished piece. It is a testament to the value placed on intricate, handcrafted objects. Ultimately, this print reminds us of the crucial link between design, production, and social aspiration. It challenges our understanding of the creative process, and the value we place on both artistic vision, and the work required to bring these ideas to life.