Zes stoelen en drie krukken 1642

This drawing, whose creator is unknown, presents us with a study of furniture: six chairs and three stools. Notice how the artist uses line to define each object, employing hatching and cross-hatching to suggest form and shadow. The layout is structured, a grid of possibilities almost, presenting a range of designs for domestic seating and surfaces. The pieces, while utilitarian, are imbued with a sense of status through their elaborate carving and ornamentation. We might consider this drawing as an early exploration of design and seriality, where functional objects are elevated through aesthetic consideration. Take note of the variations in style – from the folding chairs with their suggestion of portability to the more fixed and imposing armchairs. The artist challenges the fixed nature of design, suggesting that the function of furniture is not just physical but also symbolic. This drawing then, is not just a catalogue but a proposition about how we ascribe meaning to the objects that populate our lives.