Huilier à deux Caraffon orné d'une Casolette antique posé sur un socle orné de Blason sur les deux faces

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

In the late 18th century, designer Richard de Lalonde captured the elegance of neoclassical decorative arts in this intricate print, created between 1788 and1796. Titled *Huilier à deuxaffon orné d Casolette antique posé sur socle orné de Blason sur les deux faces it depicts a refined oil cruet stand featuring two small carafes, adorned with an antique-style censer atop a pedestal emblazoned with coats of arms on both sides Lalonde, active from 1780 to 1796, was renowned for his detailed engravings of furniture and ornamental objects, blending symmetry and classical motifs during France's pre-Revolutionary era. This print exemplifies the neoclassical revival, where artists drew inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek artifacts to create luxurious household items for the aristocracy. The inclusion of a "cassolette" (a perfume burner evoking antiquity) and heraldic blasons highlights the era's fascination with heritage and opulence, serving as both aesthetic blueprint and status symbol. As a print medium, it allowed widespread dissemination of elite designs to workshops and collectors. Acquired for the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the Advisory Council, this work from the Smithsonian Collection offers a window into 18th-century French craftsmanship. Ongoing research promises deeper insights, but its poised composition already invites visitors to appreciate the harmony of form and function in revolutionary times.