Venster met gordijnen c. 1885 - 1895

Léon Laroche created this print, titled "Venster met gordijnen," using an etching technique. This image offers a glimpse into the cultural values of its time, reflecting the opulence and domestic ideals of the upper class. The elaborate window dressing and matching chair suggest a lifestyle of comfort and refinement. Yet, such displays of luxury were intrinsically tied to complex socio-economic structures. Who had access to such luxury? What were the political dimensions? These spaces were typically the domain of women, who were tasked with managing the household and maintaining its aesthetic appeal. The window, often seen as a threshold between the private and public sphere, takes on a particular significance here, doesn't it? The drapes become a tool, shaping the view, and, in effect, controlling the narrative of domesticity that's put on display. Consider the historical context in which this print was produced. These images not only reflect a specific lifestyle but also reinforce societal norms around gender, class, and taste. The window, with its carefully arranged drapes, becomes a stage upon which these identities are performed and reinforced.