Ontwerp voor twee secretaires 1829

Joachim-Pierre Blank sketched this design for two secretaries using pen and brush in gray on paper. During the 18th century, furniture design was a reflection of social status and the evolving roles within households. These designs offer a glimpse into the era's values, where the function and appearance of furniture were carefully considered to align with the activities and identities of its users. The secretary, a key piece, embodies the intersection of privacy, work, and domestic life, particularly for women in managing correspondence and household affairs. The design invites us to reflect on how domestic spaces and objects are gendered. The artwork presents an opportunity to consider traditional gender roles and to explore the complexities of women's experiences in the 18th century. It encourages us to consider how furniture shapes and reflects social issues while resonating with the personal dimensions of domestic life.