Menukaart Château de Haarzuijlens 1896 - 1934

Editor: Here we have Mathieu Lauweriks' "Menukaart Château de Haarzuijlens," created sometime between 1896 and 1934. It’s a striking poster, a woodblock print showcasing an Art Nouveau style. What stands out to me is the ornamental border and the elegant, almost theatrical frame for the menu itself. How do you interpret the symbolism and the social context of a menu designed in this way? Curator: It’s interesting that you highlight the "theatrical" nature, as the design does perform a specific kind of luxury for its diners. Art Nouveau, emerging at the end of the 19th century, sought to democratize art by integrating it into everyday life. Yet, here, we see it specifically catering to the wealthy patrons of Château de Haarzuijlens. We can consider how the elaborate ornamentation reinforces existing power structures. What statement do you think it makes? Editor: I see your point about power dynamics. Maybe it signifies exclusivity, an almost performative display of wealth, suggesting that the experience of dining there is as much about status as it is about the food. Do you think there's a contrast, then, between Art Nouveau's democratic ideals and its use here? Curator: Exactly. Lauweriks’ design exists in tension, celebrating both the craft and the elite social space. How does this contrast reflect broader societal debates about class, accessibility, and artistic expression at the turn of the century? What values were being contested through design like this? Editor: It's like the design embodies those contradictions, a beautiful object serving a function that inherently excludes many. It definitely makes you think about the relationship between art, commerce, and social class back then. Curator: And even today. By recognizing how aesthetics intertwine with societal structures, we can start unpacking the deeper cultural meanings embedded in seemingly simple things like a menu.