Venster met gordijnen after 1878

This print, "Venster met gordijnen," whose maker and exact date remain unknown, offers a glimpse into the world of Parisian interior design. The image presents a window draped with elaborate curtains, complete with tassels and valances, and a luxurious cushion set. Published by V.L. Quetin, a furniture store, it underscores the burgeoning consumer culture of the 19th century. Note how the depiction of the Eiffel Tower through the window subtly markets Paris itself as a desirable location. The print isn’t just showcasing a product; it’s selling a lifestyle, one of elegance, comfort, and aspiration. This image prompts us to consider the institutional forces driving artistic production. To fully appreciate this print, one might explore trade catalogs, design periodicals, and social histories of consumption in 19th-century France, allowing us to understand the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.