Vuurbok met griffioenen 1775 - 1790

This print by Augustin Foin shows us a design for a "vuurbok," or fire dog, made in the 18th century. The design celebrates high craftsmanship. It is made from metal, which would have been cast in a mold, then painstakingly chased and finished by hand, requiring many hours of skilled labor. The design is extravagant, and ornate, with griffins flanking a classical urn topped with flames. Fire dogs like this were purely decorative, meant to display wealth and taste. They also speak to the culture of conspicuous consumption that was emerging in Europe at this time. As an essentially useless object, it performs status. The tremendous amount of work that has gone into producing it marks a departure from traditional divisions of labor. Looking at Foin's print, it is important to remember that the materials, making, and historical context are key to understanding the artwork's full meaning. It challenges the traditional distinction between fine art and craft.