Versierde lambrisering in Kasteel Les Amerois te Brussel before 1879

These images of ‘Versierde lambrisering in Kasteel Les Amerois te Brussel’ were created by Joseph Maes, who lived from 1838 to 1908. It pictures a type of decorative paneling that was popular in upper-class homes in Europe. These panels give us a glimpse into the world of the European elite, and how they sought to express their wealth and taste. They are more than mere decoration; they are imbued with the values and symbols that this class wished to project. The bearded faces at the top could be interpreted as a symbol of male authority and power, which was so central to the social structures of the time. The floral and foliage motifs suggest the natural world, and the desire to bring it indoors, controlling it. Through this intersection of nature and social class we can appreciate how these panels were integral to constructing a worldview, reinforcing its values, and defining its place in society. They acted as both a reflection and a perpetuation of social norms.