Cotidianeidad y Convivencia: An Exhibition on Furniture, Fashion, and Society Across Centuries

This thematic catalogue entry explores the parallel evolution of furniture and fashion from the 16th to 19th centuries, reflecting changing societal norms and lifestyles. It contrasts the rigid austerity of the Spanish court with the increasing comfort and intimacy sought by the bourgeoisie in later periods.

The transformation of clothing and furniture across centuries, particularly between the 16th and 19th centuries, is intrinsically linked to evolving ways of life, moving from the rigidities of a class-based society to the bourgeois desire for comfort. The 'Spanish style' in dress gained traction in European courts from the latter half of the 16th century, establishing a physical and social model characterized by austerity and stiffness. This era, marked by the adoption of garments like the guardainfante and lechuguilla, saw nobility and royalty inhabiting palaces with minimal furnishings, emphasizing gravity and rigor over comfort, and prioritizing the representation of majesty and honor. With the Enlightenment, a new way of living emerged, led by France and England. Alongside formal reception rooms, intimate spaces gained importance, where solemn etiquette gave way to conviviality. Fabrics became lighter, and clothing allowed for more freedom of movement, progressively accentuating the natural silhouette. In this more relaxed attire, aristocrats and bourgeois individuals could adopt casual postures on sofas and armchairs in elegant cabinets, where elements of the modern dining room, salon, and dressing room began to take shape.