Kast en hoekkast after 1878

Here is an image of two cabinets titled ‘Kast en hoekkast’ which translates to ‘cupboard and corner cupboard’ made by an anonymous artist. The sketch invites us to consider the cultural values attached to furniture and interior design. These designs reflect a time when furniture was more than functional; they were statements of wealth, taste, and social standing. The figure's presence, surrounded by what appears to be a laurel wreath—a classical symbol of victory and honor—positions the cabinet not merely as storage, but as a display of identity and status. What is visible on the ‘Kast en hoekkast’ is the intricate craftsmanship. The veneer work and ornate detailing speak volumes about the value placed on aesthetics and refinement. The sketch develops narratives of luxury, but it also offers an unspoken commentary on the social hierarchies and values of the culture that produced it.