Eikenhouten bank before 1889

This oak bench, of unknown origin and date, speaks volumes about power, class, and privacy. The bench’s heavy, ornate carvings and its sturdy construction suggest that it was made for someone of high social standing, most likely for placement in one of their grand estates. Imagine the stories this bench could tell! Who sat here? What conversations were had? Did they feel the weight of the gaze of those carved portrait heads? While the bench offers a place of rest, its rigid form and imposing presence also hint at the social structures and power dynamics that defined the lives of those who might have used it. This wasn't a space for everyone. It reflects a world deeply divided by class, where even something as simple as a place to sit could become a symbol of exclusivity and status. The bench invites us to consider who has access to rest, comfort, and power.