Twee 'columnae caelatae', in de Toscaanse Orde 1578

'Twee 'columnae caelatae', in de Toscaanse Orde' is an engraving by Johannes and Lucas van Doetechum. It is part of a series of prints that aimed to disseminate the classical orders of architecture. These images served as crucial educational tools during a time when access to classical sites was limited, especially for those not born into privilege. The classical architectural orders—Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite—were perceived as the pinnacle of artistic and intellectual achievement. Mastery of these forms signified not just skill but also a certain social standing. By reproducing these classical forms, the print democratizes access to architectural knowledge. Yet, it also underscores the social hierarchies inherent in artistic and intellectual pursuits of the time, inviting us to consider who had the means and opportunity to engage with such knowledge.