Boekenkast met drie legplanken c. 1924

This bookcase with three shelves was made by Hendrik Wouda, its date is unknown, and it is constructed with wood. Look closely and you will see the wood grain throughout the piece. It’s likely made of oak, with a green painted interior. The cabinet features a simple, rectilinear design, reflective of early 20th-century modernist aesthetics. It's clear that Wouda was skilled in furniture making. But how might this object relate to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption? The production process likely involved both handcrafting and machine production, which ties into early 20th century industrial advancements. The quality and design suggest it was intended for a middle-class or upper-class home. The bookcase signifies an investment in culture and education, as it provides a space to display books and other cherished objects. Understanding the materials, making, and social context of this bookcase allows us to appreciate it not just as a functional piece of furniture, but as a window into the cultural values and socio-economic dynamics of its time.