During Rembrandt's time, it was common for people to sleep in cupboard-beds, which were essentially enclosed spaces where individuals slept half-sitting up. Typically located in the darkest areas of the house, such as corners or between rooms, the cupboard-bed was often placed near the fireplace for warmth. Made primarily of wood, the design aimed to prevent the cold from penetrating the structure. The floor of the cupboard-bed was generally less than a meter above the room's floor, allowing for easy entry and exit. Furthermore, underneath the cupboard-bed was a storage cupboard that provided a dark space. By lowering the floor beneath the cupboard-bed by about a meter, a small, chilly cellar could be created to store root vegetables and other foodstuffs, serving as a precursor to modern-day refrigeration. Below one can see a drawing of Rembrandt of his cupboard-bed. To the right there is a drawing that depicts construction with the cellar below.
|
|
|