Venster met gordijnen after 1878

This print, titled 'Venster met gordijnen', which translates to 'Window with Curtains', was made by an anonymous artist. It offers us a glimpse into the world of interior design, and the artistry, of the time. During this era, the home was a pivotal stage for expressing identity and status. This image, extracted from a larger catalogue, reveals more than just a window treatment. The elaborate drapery speaks to a culture deeply invested in appearances and the performance of domesticity. The tassels, the heavy fabrics, the careful arrangement of folds — each element is a deliberate choice that reflects the values of the people who chose to live with it. Consider how this image presents a carefully constructed ideal. While the artist remains unknown, their work prompts us to consider who had the privilege to shape these domestic spaces, and whose stories are often left out of these visual narratives. It invites us to reflect on the personal and societal narratives woven into our constructed environments.