Buffetkast after 1878

This print depicts a buffetkast, a type of cabinet, made from wood. The printmaking process, likely etching or engraving, allows us to appreciate the intricate details of the cabinet’s design, which emphasizes the skill and labor involved in furniture production. Notice how the print captures the texture and weight of the wood through careful lines and shading. The maker has imbued it with social and cultural significance, highlighting techniques and traditions that blend both craft and fine arts. Consider the labor involved in sourcing, preparing, and carving the wood, as well as the labor of the artist involved in the printmaking. The final product is both a functional object and a statement of status, reflecting the social and economic context of its time. Paying attention to materials and making processes allows us to fully appreciate its meaning.