Writing table 1755 - 1775

This writing table was made in France by Roger Vandercruse, called Lacroix, in the 18th century, using wood, bronze and marble. The table gives us a glimpse into the world of the French aristocracy on the eve of the revolution. Lacroix’s refined marquetry and gilded bronze mounts speak to the opulence of the court. Pieces of furniture like this were not just functional, they were statements of status and taste, carefully chosen to reflect the owner’s position in society. The table’s design suggests the social rituals of letter writing and personal correspondence. These were crucial activities for maintaining networks of power and influence. We can see in this table the luxury of the ‘ancien regime’, and, if we look closely, perhaps the seeds of its own destruction. By studying archival documents and social histories, we can better understand the role that decorative arts played in shaping the culture and politics of 18th-century France.