Gezicht op de keuken in het huis van J. vanden Peereboom in Anderlecht, België before 1898

This photograph by G. Choppinet shows the kitchen in the home of J. vanden Peereboom in Anderlecht, Belgium. It’s a fascinating interior, which gives us a glimpse of the labor and the class of its inhabitants. Consider the materiality of this kitchen, from the copper pots and pans hanging from the ceiling, to the ceramic plates displayed on shelves. These everyday objects are presented with a formal elegance, which speaks to the value placed on domestic craft and culinary traditions. Notice the large wooden table, the focal point of the room, its sturdy construction suggesting a space for both work and gathering. The photograph is, in itself, a material object, a carefully produced print that captures the textures and tones of the kitchen. Choppinet's photograph challenges our assumptions about fine art and craft. It invites us to consider the cultural significance of everyday objects and the labor involved in their creation. The artistry lies not only in the composition of the photograph, but also in the arrangement of the kitchen itself, a testament to the skills and traditions of domestic life.