Schouw, tafel en wandkandelaar 1699 - 1726

This print of a mantelpiece, table, and sconce at the Rijksmuseum, made by an anonymous artist, offers a glimpse into the domestic life of the past, reflecting both the era's artistic tastes and its hierarchical social structures. The elaborate design, typical of its time, emphasizes the performative aspect of wealth and status. Each element, from the ornate carvings of the mantelpiece to the delicate sconce, speaks to a culture deeply invested in outward displays of affluence. Yet, who were the hands that crafted these objects, and what were their stories? The anonymity of the artist invites us to consider the labor and lives of the artisans, often overlooked, whose skills brought these visions of grandeur to life. Consider how the absence of the artist's identity impacts our understanding. It prompts us to reflect on issues of class, labor, and the power dynamics inherent in the art world then, and perhaps even now.