Galanterieën met lepels en scharen 1708 - 1756

This undated print, "Galanterieën met lepels en scharen," now residing in the Rijksmuseum, offers us a glimpse into a world of refined domesticity. Its anonymous maker presents an array of ornate spoons and scissors, objects that speak volumes about social rituals and the performance of class. Consider the implications of sugar nippers, coffee spoons and other such commodities. These are the tools of a wealthy household, the material culture of the elite. They remind us of the global trade routes, the colonial economies built on the backs of enslaved people that brought sugar and coffee to Europe. The absence of a known artist also speaks volumes. Was this print made for a merchant hoping to sell wares, or a member of the leisure class looking to emulate trends? Either way, it offers insight into the emotional landscape of a particular social stratum. It reflects the value placed on elegance, convenience, and the seemingly effortless enjoyment of worldly goods. It's a potent reminder that even the most commonplace objects are entangled with complex systems of power and privilege.