At The Window 1892

Eugen von Blaas made this painting, At The Window, using oil paint on canvas. At first glance, it presents itself as a straightforward genre scene. But if you consider the material reality of the objects depicted, another layer of interpretation opens up. Take the fan. It is skillfully crafted with delicate floral paintings, but beyond this, the fan implies a whole industry of production, from the bamboo slats to the paper itself. Even the woman’s clothing has been carefully considered by Blaas, from the gold trim of the bodice, to the delicate lacework around the neckline, details which suggest the labor of unseen hands. These decorative and fashionable elements show the work involved in the production process. In closing, by looking at the material culture captured in this painting, we can see the relationship between art, production, and social class, giving new meaning to this everyday moment.