Eiken- en ebbenhouten kast before 1889

This oak and ebony cabinet was made by an anonymous artist in the tradition of Flemish furniture design. These kinds of cabinets were status symbols, indicative of wealth and influence. What strikes me is how a piece of furniture can be a reflection of global power dynamics. The use of ebony, a material sourced from Africa, speaks to the history of colonial exploitation that fueled European wealth. At the same time, the design elements draw from a mix of cultural influences, reflecting the interconnectedness of global trade routes. Notice the geometric patterns and imposing structure, which suggest a sense of authority and control. Even in the absence of a known artist, the cabinet tells a story about the hands that shaped it, the resources that composed it, and the society that valued it.