Interieur van (vermoedelijk) een restaurant te Amsterdam c. 1875 - 1900

This photograph by E. van Elfrinkhoff depicts the interior of a restaurant in Amsterdam. We can see the rich, dark grain of the wood paneling and ornately carved details around the fireplace, which speak to the skilled labor required to produce such a space. The photograph captures not just a place, but a social world built on specific materials. The arrangement of tables and chairs invites interaction, business deals, or a relaxing respite from the world outside. Notice the upholstered chairs – suggesting comfort and leisure, a signifier of a middle class clientele. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, think about the broader context. What kind of labor went into constructing this interior? Who were the carpenters, the upholsters, the metal workers? These questions highlight the complex web of material production and consumption that underpins even the most intimate settings. Examining the material culture helps us reveal the human stories embedded within.