Kast uit de zestiende eeuw 1850 - 1900

Mederic Mieusement captured this image of a 16th-century cupboard at an unknown date, using photography. Mieusement lived and worked in a France marked by colonialism, class division, and emerging gender discourses. This photograph provides a window into how historical artifacts were documented and perceived during the 19th century. The cupboard itself, originating from the 16th century, embodies the craftsmanship and artistic values of its time, reflecting the social status and cultural norms of its original owners. The intricate carvings and design motifs offer insights into the period's aesthetic preferences and the stories that were valued and visually represented. Mieusement's photograph also speaks to the colonial gaze through which non-European cultures were often viewed and documented. There is a sense of preservation and study, but also a potential for appropriation and misinterpretation inherent in the photographic act. This image therefore invites us to reflect on how historical objects are framed, understood, and given meaning across different eras and cultural contexts.