Wandkabinet 1642

This is an anonymous etching of a "Wandkabinet," or wall cabinet, that resides in the Rijksmuseum. Given the grandiosity of this design, we can imagine that the original cabinet might have been found in the home of a very wealthy person. Cabinets such as this were status symbols, especially if they contained precious objects. This drawing speaks to a time when elaborate displays of wealth were commonplace. The cherubic figure at the top, along with the intricate carvings and the suggestion of a human face at the bottom, evoke a sense of luxury and, perhaps, self-importance. Consider, too, that cabinets often hold secrets, and the performative display of wealth might itself be a way of concealing deeper, more personal aspects of one’s identity. The visual weight of this cabinet design – with its combination of classical and baroque elements – speaks volumes about the social and emotional landscapes of its time.