Stand (piètement) for a model of La Samaritaine 1773

This ornate stand was made by Jean-Baptiste Vinceneux in the 18th century. Crafted from gilded and painted wood, it likely served as a base for a model of the La Samaritaine water pump on the Pont Neuf in Paris. The stand's structure showcases a keen interest in symmetry and ornamentation, characteristic of the Neoclassical style. Note the intricate carvings, the gilded foliage, and the balanced arrangement of the legs, all contributing to a sense of opulent harmony. The spiraling flutes of the legs, the garland swags, and the central cartouche demonstrate a mastery of form and an eye for lavish detail. However, the combination of these elements doesn't just aim for aesthetic pleasure. Each motif—the birds, the floral arrangements, the very choice of gilding—operates as a sign, a marker of status, wealth, and refined taste. The stand, therefore, functions as a complex sign system, reflecting the social codes and cultural values of its time. The formal qualities and ornamentation are not merely decorative, they're integral to the object's meaning within its historical context.