Canopy bed

Until well into the seventeenth century, the bed was commonly placed in the most important or in some cases only room of the house, as close to the hearth as possible. In those times most houses had only one room. The rich had more privacy, and could therefore afford a larger house and more elegant bed.

This bed is surprisingly short. In the past, people slept in a semi-reclined position, on the assumption that it promoted digestion and circulation of the blood.

 

Colour advice

The drapes, which were suspended from the bed's canopy or before the opening of the bed itself were used to protect the occupants of the bed from the cold at night. In Rubens's time, people also paid attention to their interiors. As the bed is surrounded with drapes, it plays a prominent role in the interior, adding a dash of colour to the room. The colour was matched in function of other fabrics.

 

Specifications

  • Canopy bed
  • Southern Netherlands, seventeenth century
  • Oak
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