Blad met ridderscènes in drie rijen 1783 - 1815

This print of knightly scenes, made by Paul Reimund around the turn of the 19th century, presents us with an interesting question: is it fine art, or something else? Look closely, and you'll notice the material isn't paper, but textile. The imagery has been printed in gold leaf onto the blue fabric, in three horizontal bands depicting knights and courtly life. What might have been its purpose? Was it meant to be framed and hung on the wall, or used for some other decorative purpose? It is through the making process that this print acquires its social meaning. The use of textile and gold leaf, combined with the subject matter of courtly life, suggests a connection to luxury goods and aristocratic culture. But the print medium also implies a wider distribution, and perhaps a more middle-class audience. The blending of these elements challenges our traditional categories, inviting us to consider how materials and techniques can bridge different social spheres.