Ontwerp voor een kapstok c. 1875

Here is Joseph Kusterer's 'Ontwerp voor een kapstok', a design for a coat rack, rendered in delicate lines on paper. The drawing presents us with a dual perspective: a direct frontal view alongside a slender side profile. The frontal view dominates, showcasing a symmetrical structure built upon rectangular and diagonal supports, creating a latticework effect. The design integrates both open spaces and solid panels, suggesting an interplay between visibility and enclosure. Note the repetitive use of circular motifs at each joint which soften the geometric rigidity of the design. This blueprint speaks to the functional and aesthetic considerations of design. Kusterer seems to be exploring how structural elements can also serve a decorative purpose, and it's an exploration of how furniture can blend seamlessly into the architecture of a space. This interplay between form and function invites us to consider how everyday objects can reflect broader ideas about space, order, and the human environment.