Raampartij met gordijnen c. 1885 - 1895

Editor: Here we have "Raampartij met gordijnen," or "Window with Curtains," by Léon Laroche, dating from around 1885 to 1895. It’s a drawing, and what strikes me is how much it feels like a stage set. It’s all about presentation and artifice. What do you make of it? Curator: It's fascinating to see this drawing as a product of its time, deeply embedded in the politics of display. Remember that this era witnessed the rise of industrialization and a growing middle class. These opulent interiors, meticulously rendered, speak to aspirations of social climbing and the performance of wealth. The drawing isn’t just showing curtains; it's showcasing a lifestyle being marketed and consumed. Does the image feel like something for public consumption? Editor: Absolutely! It's almost like an advertisement for interior design. So you're saying it's less about pure artistry and more about the social forces shaping taste? Curator: Precisely. The late 19th century saw an explosion of journals and catalogs aimed at dictating what was fashionable and desirable. This drawing participates in that process. The decorative arts became intertwined with social identity, and owning objects became a way to express class. Where does that intersect with “high art”, if at all? Editor: It definitely blurs the lines, doesn’t it? It makes me question where function ends and art begins. Curator: And how institutions like museums legitimize certain types of art while sidelining others. Were these types of illustrations considered “fine art”? What would it mean to frame them or place them in an institution versus just having it be utilitarian? Editor: Thinking about it as a historical artifact, rather than just a pretty picture, gives it a whole new weight. Curator: Exactly. Understanding the context – the social pressures, the economic landscape, the very mechanisms of display – opens up a richer understanding of the artwork itself and the system that elevates certain art over others. Editor: That’s a really valuable insight. Thanks! I will definitely not be able to unsee the art world as being shaped by socio-political power! Curator: Glad to share my view! There’s much to explore!