Blad met acht omwonden staven met bloemen 1780 - 1814

This is a sheet with eight entwined staves with flowers, by Johann Paul Schindler. It is currently located at the Rijksmuseum. Schindler's design gives us an insight into the visual culture of its time, but its social context goes further than mere taste. The creation of such patterns was deeply embedded in the economic and social structures of the time. We see here not just aesthetics, but also a reflection of manufacturing processes, trade networks, and the aspirations of a society. To truly understand this work, one must dig into the archives. Who was Johann Paul Schindler? What was his place within the artistic and economic landscape? By exploring these questions, we reveal the intricate web of connections that shaped the creation and reception of this decorative piece. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.