Door and Part of the Wall Paneling with Mirrored Glass from the House of 'Monsieur le Maître' at Plessis Piquet, plate VI from the Series 'Portes a Placard et Lambris', published as part of 'L'Architecture à la Mode' 1618 - 1682

This etching by Jean Le Pautre depicts a door and wall paneling with mirrored glass, intended for the house of ‘Monsieur le Maître’. It was published as part of ‘L’Architecture à la Mode.’ Wood, glass, and the ink on this printed page, all have an important story to tell. Le Pautre was very interested in fashionable architecture, and his drawing emphasizes the geometry and symmetry prized at the time. But it is important to remember that each panel, moulding, and door section would have been produced by a skilled hand. The mirrored glass, too, involved specialized labor to achieve its reflective surface. These refined materials and expert processes speak to the high social status of the intended owner. The mirrored panels especially evoke the rise of consumerism in this period, where one could literally see oneself reflected in new luxury goods. The etching’s importance lies not just in its design, but in reminding us of the skilled labor and social context embedded in every aspect of this fashionable interior.