Interieur van de kamer van Phons Driessen before 1894

Hendrik Herman van den Berg created this photograph titled "Interior of Phons Driessen's Room," offering us a glimpse into the private world of a man during a time of significant cultural and social change. The domestic scene is rich with detail, each object contributing to the narrative of identity and status. The photograph’s composition, the subject surrounded by personal belongings, hints at the cultural values of the time, where the home was a sanctuary, and a reflection of one’s self. The inclusion of foreign décor items, like the Japanese parasol, speaks to turn-of-the-century European society's fascination with orientalism and their colonial engagement with other cultures. Driessen himself, posed at his desk, appears as a figure of authority, his surroundings carefully arranged to project an image of intellect and worldliness. Consider how this curated space reflects both personal identity and broader societal trends. What does it tell us about the relationship between self-expression and the cultural appropriation of the time? It captures a moment in history where identity was being constructed and negotiated through material culture.