Venster met gordijnen after 1878

This drawing, "Venster met gordijnen" or "Window with Curtains," made by an anonymous artist, gives us a glimpse into the domestic sphere and its relationship to social status. The drawing likely reflects the values of the rising middle class, keen on displaying their prosperity through carefully decorated homes. Window dressings, like those depicted here, were not merely functional; they were statements of taste and affluence. Think about the labor involved: from the weaving of the fabric to the intricate detailing and trimming. This was a world where the aesthetics of your home could speak volumes about your place in society. The drawing doesn’t just present an image of domesticity; it hints at the labor, the aspirations, and the social codes that underpinned it. It reminds us that even the most private spaces are shaped by the world outside.