Twee boekenkasten met leeuwenkoppen 1772 - 1779

Nicolas Dupin created this drawing, "Two Bookcases with Lion Heads," sometime before his death in 1789. In the 18th century, the decorative arts, such as furniture design, became increasingly important as symbols of social status and cultural refinement. This drawing reflects the era's emphasis on classical motifs, seen here in the lion heads and symmetrical design, which were particularly fashionable. These elements signaled a patron's knowledge and appreciation of classical antiquity, a key component of elite identity in France. France was still under aristocratic rule, and such objects underscored social stratification, differentiating the elite from the commoners through exclusive access to luxury and education. Dupin’s drawing, preserved in the Rijksmuseum's collection, is now an invaluable resource for understanding the intersection of art, design, and social history.