Two Table Designs 1565 - 1570

These two table designs were made by Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau at an unknown date. Born during the Renaissance, Du Cerceau was a Huguenot, part of a Protestant group facing persecution in Catholic France. With the rise of the merchant class, designs like these catered to a new audience seeking to display their wealth through domestic settings. These engravings offered a vision of elegance and sophistication in furniture design. The upper design features ornate columns and intricate carvings, evoking the grandeur of classical architecture. The lower design shows a complex framework adorned with floral and geometric motifs, demonstrating a refined taste. These designs reflect the values of a society undergoing immense religious and social change. They are a visual representation of the period's aspirations, as well as a statement of identity during a time of conflict and transformation. They speak to the power of design in shaping the cultural landscape.