Commode met drie lades 1772 - 1779

Curator: Looking at this drawing, I immediately feel a sense of ordered calm, like stepping into a very well-organized, slightly austere room. Editor: Yes, that resonates! This is a drawing titled "Commode met drie lades," which translates to "Chest of drawers with three drawers." It’s attributed to Nicolas Dupin, and was created sometime between 1772 and 1779. The artwork resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Curator: Ah, Dupin, of course. It feels very…architectural. It's all lines and careful planning, not a lot of flourish. Though those little pulls on the drawers do have a certain charm. The symmetry, those precisely placed legs. Very…grounded. Editor: Absolutely, you’re picking up on the Neoclassical elements, which emphasizes clarity, order, and a revival of classical forms. Notice the linear perspective, the geometric forms, and the subtle shading achieved with pen and ink on paper. Dupin really prioritized the formal aspects here. I read the stripes on the drawers as repeated parallel lines that create visual rhythm while underscoring a design intended for mass production. Curator: It’s almost like he’s trying to design away any hint of human messiness, you know? This isn't just about furniture; it's about creating a philosophy, an ethos of perfect living space, the idea that order equals happiness! Editor: Exactly! It is also fascinating how academic art traditions intertwine with a practical focus on design in decorative arts. This piece invites us to consider what kind of home this "commode a la Romaine", as indicated on the drawing, would inhabit. Curator: A very pristine one, I'd imagine. Imagine having that in your bedroom—everything would have to match! Although, perhaps the real charm of it lies in the fact that it's just a plan. Maybe it embodies possibility more than any sort of real-world practicality. Editor: Perhaps that's the beautiful tension—between idealized design and its translation into functional objects. Thank you for unpacking those ideas! Curator: My pleasure! Now I can't help but imagine where this drawing came from or the person who dreamt of designing such perfect drawers!