Desk (bonheur du jour) 1764 - 1774

This "bonheur du jour," or desk, was made in France by Martin Carlin. We don't know exactly when, but he was active in the 1700s. It combines tulipwood, Sèvres porcelain, and gilt bronze. The desk is a feast for the eyes, but it also embodies a particular moment in the history of production. The porcelain plaques, intricately painted with floral motifs, show the impact of industrial processes. Each one is perfectly uniform, made possible by advancements in firing techniques. This kind of precision was highly prized by elites because it spoke of control over materials and labor. Notice, too, how the gilt bronze both protects and adorns the desk. This metalwork wasn't just decorative; it held the entire structure together. The juxtaposition of the rigid metal and delicate porcelain emphasizes the different kinds of work required to make the desk, from mining and casting to painting and firing. Ultimately, the "bonheur du jour" shows us how much social and technical history can be embedded in a single object.