Hemelbed met medaillon 1772 - 1779

Nicolas Dupin created this print of a French bed with a medallion in the late 18th century. The bed is of a particularly elaborate design and reflects the social and cultural values of the French aristocracy at the time. Ornamentation is everywhere! The canopy is draped with luxurious fabric and adorned with a medallion, possibly bearing the likeness of a noble. The headboard and base feature intricate carvings. These details suggest that the bed was intended for someone of high social status, for whom display was as important as function. The print itself gives us insight into the world of design and consumption in 18th-century France, the world of interior decoration, and the lifestyles of the elite. Art historians can study sources, such as period inventories, design books, and social histories, to better understand the role of furniture in shaping social identities and power dynamics.