Venster en deur met gordijnen 1895

Curator: This drawing, "Venster en deur met gordijnen," or "Window and Door with Curtains" by Léon Laroche from 1895, is deceptively simple. It's just a drawing, but it speaks volumes about material culture. Editor: It's interesting how he pairs the different curtain styles together. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Let’s think about the materials depicted. It’s not just about aesthetics. These curtains, even in a drawing, suggest the labor involved—the weaving, the dyeing, the sewing. Each tassel, each pleat represents human effort and specialized skill. Editor: So, you're focusing on the making rather than just the look? Curator: Exactly! And consider the social context. Who could afford such elaborate window treatments? This drawing isn't just about decoration; it's a glimpse into a specific social class and its access to resources. Notice, also, that the two curtains exemplify different eras, reflecting a culture consuming images and objects across history, with an increasing emphasis on consumerism. Editor: I never considered how much labor goes into something like curtains, even back then. I thought this drawing was just illustrating period architecture. Curator: Drawings like this can be used as documentation, however they can also prompt questions about how we elevate "fine art" over the crafts that build our spaces. What is “architecture” if it is not a space curated with functional and fashionable objects? Editor: So much more to curtains than meets the eye, I guess. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It's a reminder to look beyond the surface and consider the hands, materials, and social forces that shape what we see.