Schouw met medaillon after 1784

This is an anonymous design for a mantelpiece with medallion, made without a known date using etching. The rigid symmetry of the fireplace design speaks to the emphasis on order and proportion that was part of the Neoclassical movement which was popular from the mid 18th century. Notice the fine details, the garlands and ribbons, the delicate fluting on the pilasters. These were meant to evoke classical antiquity, an era often seen as the height of civilization. Fireplaces were a focal point for domestic life, a place where families and guests gathered, a status symbol. But, it is crucial to remember that this idealized vision of domestic comfort was often built on the exploitation of others. The wealth that afforded such refined taste was frequently derived from colonial enterprises and the labor of enslaved peoples. This work offers an opportunity to reflect on the complex relationship between beauty, privilege, and historical context.