Fragmenten van deuren before 1881

These fragments of doors were crafted in the 15th or 16th century by an anonymous artist. The image presents us with remnants of wooden doors, likely from furniture found in castles. This was a period deeply influenced by both religious devotion and emerging humanism. The image is not just about aesthetics, but also about the prevailing social order, where access and privacy were carefully guarded and ornamented. The floral motifs, architectural designs and portraits of people become visual markers of status and power. Consider the cultural and economic context of the time. Europe was transitioning from the medieval period to the Renaissance, a time when the patronage of art shifted from the church to wealthy individuals and families. Understanding this piece requires delving into the social history of the period, exploring archival documents, inventories of noble households, and studies of craftsmanship. What we see in art is always contingent on the social and institutional forces that shape its creation and reception.