Elevation and Plan of a Table

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

This print, titled Elevation and Plan of a Table, was created by the French artist Richard de Lalonde, active from 1780 to 1796. Produced between 1787 and 1796, it presents both an elevation (side or front view) and a plan (overhead layout) of a table. As a print, it captures the precise graphic conventions of the era, translating a three-dimensional object into clear, measurable two-dimensional form for study or use. In late 18th-century France, such prints were essential tools for sharing decorative and furniture designs among artisans, architects, and patrons. They combined technical accuracy with visual appeal, helping ideas travel beyond a single workshop. The dual views here highlight the skill required to convey structure, proportion, and intended appearance on paper. Now in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, acquired through the Advisory Council, the work offers a window into historical design practices. It reminds us how prints once bridged conception and craftsmanship, turning everyday furnishings into objects of thoughtful artistry.