Halfronde tafel 1784 - 1785

Augustin Foin created this pen drawing of a 'Halfronde tafel' or semicircular table in the mid-18th century. Foin, born in 1726, was a draughtsman, and his designs epitomize the Rococo style which permeated European art and design at the time. The Rococo period favored lightness, elegance, and elaborate ornamentation. This drawing is a testament to the aristocratic tastes of the era. The table’s design reflects the social life of the French court, where elaborate furnishings played a significant role in displays of wealth and status. The objects atop the table are also carefully chosen. These items indicate a life of leisure and luxury, reflecting the values of the elite. In its time, a design like this would have signified more than just an item of furniture. It would have served as a marker of identity and belonging within a highly structured society.