Venster met gordijnen c. 1885 - 1895

Léon Laroche created this print of an interior, titled 'Venster met gordijnen'. It's part of a series called 'Le Garde-Meuble', and it invites us into a salon designed in the Empire style. The Empire style was popular in the early 19th century, closely associated with Napoleon. It drew inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome, reflecting power and order. This interior design embodies a kind of theatricality, a stage set for the performance of imperial life. But who gets to perform here? The gilded details and heavy draperies suggest a world of privilege. The artist is presenting a vision of domestic space. The print emphasizes the construction of a particular identity through design. It’s both a visual delight and an invitation to reflect on the relationship between power, aesthetics, and the spaces we inhabit.