Plan et Elévation d'un Buffet

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

"Plan et Élévation d'un Buffet" French designer Richard de Lalonde offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century neoclassical furniture design. Created between 1775 and 1788, this presents precise technical drawings—a plan (top view) and (front view)—of elegant sideboard, or *buffet*. As a print, it likely served as a pattern for artisans, showcasing Lalonde's expertise in architectural ornamentation during his active years from 1780 to 1796. Though the exact medium remains unknown, such works were typically etched or engraved for dissemination in design folios. Active in the waning years of France's Ancien Régime, Lalonde embodied the Louis XVI style, blending classical symmetry with refined detailing inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. This piece reflects the era's obsession with harmonious proportions and luxurious cabinetry, essential for grand salons where dining and display converged. Buffets like this one symbolized status, often featuring carved motifs, marble tops, and gilded accents. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through its Advisory Council, this rarity highlights transatlantic exchange in decorative arts. With research ongoing, it invites us to appreciate how printed designs democratized high-style furniture, bridging architecture and everyday elegance in pre-Revolutionary France.