Stoelen en kruk before 1889

This page, "Stoelen en kruk," meaning "chairs and stools," was made in the Netherlands, sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries. It is an anonymous engraving from a collection of furniture found at a castle near Bois-le-Duc. The image provides a glimpse into the material culture of the Dutch elite during this period. It is important to remember that furniture like this wasn’t just functional; it was a symbol of status and power. These objects reflect the growing wealth of the Dutch Republic, driven by its dominance in international trade and commerce. The intricate designs and high-quality materials also indicate the level of skill and specialization within the artisan guilds of the time. To understand this image, we can turn to historical inventories, guild records, and even paintings that depict similar furniture in domestic settings. By doing so, we can better appreciate the social and economic forces that shaped the design and production of these everyday objects.