Commode met masker 1772 - 1779

Nicolas Dupin created this etching of a commode, or chest of drawers, sometime in the late 18th century. The print captures the height of the Rococo style, known for its ornate decoration and association with the French aristocracy. The title, "Commode à la Reine," connects the object to Queen Marie Antoinette, a figure synonymous with both luxury and, ultimately, the excesses of the French monarchy. The commode's design, featuring a central mask-like face, speaks to the period's fascination with classical motifs, yet there’s an undeniable tension here. While the piece intends to display wealth and status, it was created during a time of growing social unrest that would culminate in the French Revolution. This print exists as a record of a particular cultural moment, laden with the complexities of class, power, and the shifting tides of history. It leaves us to consider the intimate relationship between objects, identity, and the stories we tell about ourselves.