Venster met gordijnen after 1878

This print, titled "Venster met gordijnen", or "Window with Curtains," depicts an elaborate window dressing. While we don't know the artist, the print itself offers a glimpse into the cultural values of its time. Consider the concept of 'the interior' during the rise of industrialization and the bourgeoisie; the home became a sanctuary, a curated space reflecting the owner's status and taste. This print, advertising a furniture store, speaks to the commodification of domestic comfort. The window, framed by opulent fabrics, hints at both privacy and a carefully constructed view of the outside world. What does it mean to frame a view? To mediate one’s experience of nature through textiles and design? Think about the labor involved in creating such intricate drapery and who would have had access to such luxury, and how the presentation of the domestic sphere was and remains, a constructed performance. This print invites us to consider the role of design in shaping our perceptions of class, comfort, and identity.