Boiserie from the Hôtel Colbert de Villacerf 19th century

This is a design drawing for a boiserie, or a room paneled with carved wood, which was likely made in France. The drawing gives us insight into the status and social life of its commissioner. This design reflects the culture of opulence and display that characterized the courts of Europe, especially during the reigns of kings like Louis XIV. The decorative vocabulary of classical antiquity—scrolls, portrait medallions, urns and putti—were used to legitimize claims to power. Aristocrats of the time looked to fine art to convey their wealth, taste and intellectual sophistication. This drawing, as a preparatory stage in the creation of an ornate domestic interior, illustrates the importance of aesthetic refinement to the cultural elites. The historian can trace the evolution of the artwork through account books, letters, and other documents that record artistic commissions. By studying these objects, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of art.