Vensters met gordijn c. 1885 - 1895

Léon Laroche created this print, "Vensters met gordijn", using an etching technique. The print is part of a series called "Le Garde-Meuble", which translates to "The Furniture Repository." Prints like these offered a vision of domestic life that was increasingly shaped by consumer culture. As an interior design template, it also subtly encoded class distinctions, as the elaborate drapery implies a certain level of wealth and status. The pastel color palette, coupled with the soft textures suggested by the etching technique, evoke a sense of tranquility and domestic harmony. There's a tension here, as the print promises a cozy domesticity, it also hints at the performative aspects of home decor, where personal taste and identity are shaped by external trends and societal expectations. The immaculate presentation of the room feels less like a personal sanctuary and more like a stage set. This print captures a moment in time when the home was becoming increasingly intertwined with ideas of identity, aspiration, and the pursuit of an ideal lifestyle.