Paul worked as a servant in the Netherlands. He was a status symbol for his owner, a mere object with which to show off. Naturally, Paul was also a human being, with thoughts, dreams and emotions. What would Paul have wanted to show off? What about you? What would you enjoy flaunting? A fast car, the latest mobile phone or a distant journey?

ACTIVITY

In the Rijksmuseum, we are going to model status symbols in clay and attach them to the boat sculpture.

FROM HOME

Photograph and mail us your own status symbols. These can also be objects in the public space that evoke these meanings of status or serve to impress.

Send it to LAMN@rijksmuseum.nl