Inventaire du mobilier de Charles V, roi de France 1879

This book, *Inventaire du mobilier de Charles V, roi de France*, was compiled by Jules Labarte, using paper, ink, and traditional printing methods. Its material qualities tell us a lot about the moment of its making. Consider the paper: its creamy color and fibrous texture speak to the skilled labor required for its production, from the collection of raw materials to the hand-operated machines. The crisp impression of the typography also reflects the expertise of the typesetters and press operators. Each stage in the process would have been carefully controlled to produce a document worthy of its subject matter, a royal inventory. Labarte’s book highlights the cultural and economic importance of documenting royal possessions. The very act of cataloging Charles V's belongings underscores the social and economic power associated with these objects and the labor required to produce and maintain them. Looking at this book reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can carry immense social and historical weight. It’s a potent reminder that materials, making, and context are all essential to understanding an artwork's meaning.