A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, in the most approved and elegant taste 1808

This print from 1804 by George Smith presents designs for opulent household furniture and interior decoration. Focusing on bed cornices, we see the use of luxurious materials, such as fine textiles, ornate metalwork, and elaborate tassels. Note the ways in which the material influences its appearance, creating a sense of richness and sophistication. The designs evoke skilled traditions of woodworking, metal casting, and textile production. Smith was not only an artist, but also an upholder of standards in the industrial production that made these furnishings possible. The level of detail suggests the significant labor involved in creating such pieces, reflecting the class divisions of the time. By examining the materials, making, and social context of such works, we gain a fuller understanding of their cultural significance, bridging the gap between craft and fine art.