Stoelbekleding met vaas en bloemen 1778

Pierre Gabriel Berthault created this print, "Stoelbekleding met vaas en bloemen," sometime in the late 18th century. Notice how the composition is divided into two distinct sections, each presenting a symmetrical floral arrangement intended for chair upholstery. The upper design features a vase overflowing with roses, framed by an ornate, curvilinear cartouche garlanded with more blossoms. Below, a similar yet more expansive floral motif is set within a trapezoidal frame, suggesting the varied shapes of furniture panels. Berthault employs a delicate etching technique that captures the intricate details of each petal and leaf. This focus on decorative form highlights the period's preoccupation with ornamentation and the integration of naturalistic motifs into everyday objects. It reflects a broader cultural interest in transforming functional items into aesthetic experiences, inviting us to consider the intersections of art, craft, and domestic life during this era.