Overzicht van twee schouwen in Groningen c. 1875 - 1900

These two fireplace photographs were created by Johannes Gerardus Kramer in Groningen. The craftsmanship of these fireplace mantels stands out. They are made from carved wood, likely by skilled artisans, showing detailed ornamental motifs, architectural forms and mythological figures. The fireplaces' material and methods of production are central to their presence. Wood gives them a sense of warmth. The texture of the carved surfaces adds depth, playing with light and shadow. The fireplaces are heavy, stable constructions, showing the cultural importance of the hearth as the home's heart. The labor-intensive process of carving and assembling these elements means they were only accessible to the affluent. In their time, these fireplaces represented more than just sources of heat; they showed power, status, and the intersection of artistic skill and material wealth. Appreciating the fireplaces requires us to consider the skilled work that went into their making.