Wall Design 1700 - 1800

Leonardo Marini created this wall design drawing with pen and brown ink in the 18th century. During this time, interior design was not just about aesthetics; it was deeply intertwined with social status and identity. Marini, an Italian architect and designer, likely catered to the aristocratic class. His designs reflect the opulence and theatricality favored by the elite, evident in the elaborate scrolls, floral motifs and the structured panels of the wall. This drawing gives us insight into the private lives of the upper class. However, consider whose labor made such designs possible. Servants and artisans, often from marginalized communities, were responsible for constructing and maintaining these lavish interiors. These drawings are not just about beauty but also about the dynamics of power. While we admire the design, it is important to consider the social and economic realities that underpinned its creation. The drawing invites us to reflect on the spaces we inhabit, and the stories they tell about who we are, and whose stories are often left untold.