Haard met guirlandes 1755 - 1782

Le Canu made this print of a brazier with garlands, sometime in the 18th century. Here we see what was known at the time as an ‘antique stove’, but this wasn't necessarily a common item. It's more likely a representation of classical design principles, disseminated through the medium of print. This was a period of intense fascination with classical forms across Europe, fueled by archaeological discoveries and the Grand Tour, an activity only the wealthy could afford. These prints circulated among architects, designers, and artisans, serving as models for furniture, interiors, and even civic architecture. The engraver was instrumental in shaping aesthetic tastes and dictating what was considered fashionable or ‘correct’ in design. To fully understand the social life of this print, we might consult period pattern books, architectural treatises, and even probate inventories. These sources help us understand how classical ideals were translated and adapted into the material culture of the 18th century.