Twee fauteuils 1895

Editor: Here we have "Twee fauteuils", or "Two Armchairs," from 1895, rendered with watercolor and drawing. The light pastel colors give them such an airy, almost whimsical feeling. It feels like a design document. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It sings to me of the *fin de siècle*, that turn-of-the-century spirit when Art Nouveau was blossoming. Don't you feel that lightness you mentioned as a rebellion against heavier Victorian styles? It's as though someone whispered, "Let's dream a little lighter." And consider this wasn't simply *art*, but *applied* art. Do you imagine these designs gracing a real room, or are they purely flights of fancy? Editor: I can imagine these in a sun-drenched parlour, definitely more fancy than functional! Is it typical to present furniture designs this way? Curator: Absolutely. Before digital renderings, these watercolour illustrations were vital for showcasing designs. And beyond mere presentation, notice how Laroche isn't just documenting, he's *styling* these chairs. See how the light drapes? The colours? Each is imbued with a particular character. Does the green one evoke a different mood than the blue floral one? Editor: It definitely does! The green one is more muted, maybe sophisticated? While the floral one feels almost… youthful, and definitely cheerful. Curator: Precisely. He’s selling us a lifestyle, a feeling, not just furniture. It’s aspirational, poetic even! Editor: I never thought about furniture design having so much… emotion. Thanks, that was illuminating. Curator: The pleasure was all mine! It is funny how deeply feeling the designs speak even now, when their commercial purpose is all but spent. They are still communicating hope for a future.