Commode 1856

This commode was made by Stephen A. Fish, and its current location here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art gives us some clues as to its social and institutional context. The design vocabulary here clearly references Art Deco, a style that, from its Parisian origins in the 1920s, became internationally known for its geometric forms. By the time this piece was made, institutions like museums had already begun to collect and display Art Deco. So, what we're seeing here is not simply a functional object but an engagement with the history of design. It makes one wonder what sort of cultural statement the maker intended. Was this designed for a private home or perhaps for a gallery? In either case, we can appreciate how the commode negotiates a relationship between functionality and aesthetics. By researching design history and the social context of artistic production, we gain a deeper understanding of the Commode's meaning and significance.