Bonheur du jour 1832 - 1877

Editor: So, this is a print titled "Bonheur du jour," dating from 1832 to 1877. It seems to be a decorative drawing or illustration of a writing desk, made with ink and watercolor on paper. It has a really precise, almost architectural quality to it, even though it’s a furniture design. How do you interpret this piece, especially in relation to its time? Curator: Well, looking at it as an iconographer, the term "bonheur du jour," which translates to "daytime delight," immediately captures my attention. This desk is more than just a functional object; it represents a cultural aspiration. Can you see the Neoclassical motifs? Editor: Yes, definitely in the symmetry and those stylized floral patterns! Curator: Exactly! The repetition of these symbolic elements speaks to a desire for order and beauty. Think about what "daytime delight" meant to someone during that period. What kinds of social rituals, private correspondence, or artistic endeavors might have unfolded at this very desk? The image also evokes a sense of private space, feminine elegance, and perhaps even intellectual pursuits. What emotions do those elements conjure in you? Editor: I see a connection to the decorative arts, so probably beauty was really intertwined with the daily routine, and women may be empowered. It also occurs to me that "Bonheur du Jour" alludes to the fleeting nature of happiness, so this object would embody luxury, taste and refinement. The desk is like a miniature temple dedicated to creativity, or a shrine of transient, yet exquisite, aesthetic values! Curator: Beautifully put! So we might understand that "bonheur du jour" speaks volumes about the cultural memory embedded within objects. Editor: I never thought about furniture holding so many emotional and cultural clues! I will definetly pay more attention to details and symbolism in decortive arts.