Alkoof met variant voor rechterhelft before 1690

This small print, whose maker is now anonymous, depicts a grand alcove, made with the technique of etching. We can observe the etcher’s hand in the fine, precise lines that define the architecture and figures. Look closely at the patterned textile that drapes the alcove: it seems to billow outwards, almost as though it's a stage curtain, ready to reveal something. But the artist is also concerned with the materials of this fantasy space. The crisp lines and defined geometrical forms evoke expensive wood paneling, carefully carved, built, and ornamented. Notice the figures on either side of the alcove: one carries a basket on her head, and the other has a mirror, seemingly poised to be offered to someone relaxing on the bed. These figures point to the social context of the bedchamber. The elite could escape the world by literally closing the curtains. So, the print is not just an image, it's a miniature monument to luxury, inviting us to consider the labor, the materials, and the social rituals that went into creating such a space. Ultimately, this artwork challenges us to consider what we value and the means by which we create comfort.