South Pavilion
Plaza Level
Gallery S103
French Decorative Arts 1660–1710

DETAIL DETECTIVE

Part II—Hypothesize

6)  Based on the details you observed and described, develop a hypothesis about the function (or purpose) of this artifact:

I think that this artifact is a:

because of the following evidence:

7)  Most of the objects in this gallery were made for wealthy French aristocrats about 350 years ago. Can you see any similarities between the objects? List three qualities you think these aristocrats wanted in their furniture:

•	Share your ideas as a group.

•	Check your hypothesis by reading the label for the artifact.

•	Did you come close to discovering its true function?

Part I—Observe and Describe

1)  List as many materials as you can used to make this artifact (if not sure, give it your best guess): 

2)  Describe the shape of the artifact: 

3)  Describe the decorations on the artifact: 

4)  List at least six adjectives that describe the 
artifact:

5)  List any clues that might suggest how the 
artifact was used: 

It is important to examine artifacts very carefully, taking nothing for granted. Even the smallest detail can yield important clues about how an artifact was used, how people of the past lived, and what they cared about. Look very closely at one of these artifacts and describe it in detail. Then form a hypothesis (a guess based on evidence) about its purpose and the people who made it.