Bergere en Cabriolet Ornée de Sculptures et totalement finie

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 18th-century French design with *Bergère en Cabriolet Or de Sculptures et totalementie* by Richard de Lalonde, a skilled French artist active from 1780 1796. Created between 1775 and 1788, this intricate print showcases a luxurious cabriolet armchair— a bergère style known for its graceful, curving legs and deep, comfortable seat—adorned with elaborate sculptures and finished to perfection. Lalonde's work captures the opulence of the Louis XVI era, blending Neoclassical symmetry with rococo flourishes. As a print, this piece served as more than decoration; it was a vital tool for disseminating high-end furniture designs to cabinetmakers across Europe. Produced during the height of France's decorative arts golden age, just before the Revolution, such engravings democratized aristocratic tastes, influencing workshops far beyond Paris. Lalonde specialized in these detailed renderings, making complex carvings and upholstery patterns accessible for replication. Now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Print Collection—purchased by the Advisory Council—this rare example highlights transatlantic exchanges in design. Though research continues, it invites us to appreciate how a single sheet could spark creations of timeless beauty in homes and salons.