Lamp c. 1830 - 1850

Firma Feuchère made this sketch of a lamp; we are unsure of when. The object seems to be more than simply a light source. Its elaborate design, featuring floral motifs, ornate handles, and a central panel with figures, positions it within a broader cultural context where decorative arts served as signifiers of wealth and status. Made likely in France, the lamp's design reflects the aesthetic preferences and social hierarchies of its time. It is likely that this would have been an object made for an elite clientele. The design may be referencing historical styles or mythological narratives, drawing on the cultural capital associated with those references. To fully understand this lamp's role, we can research the history of decorative arts, the social function of luxury goods, and the patronage networks that supported artists and artisans during the time in which it was created. Doing so can give us more context for understanding the image as a social document.