Drie Korinthische hoofdgestellen, een console en twee bekroningen 1593 - 1595

Wendel Dietterlin created this print, “Three Corinthian capitals, a console and two crowns,” sometime in the late 16th century. Dietterlin was a mannerist painter and architect whose work explored the aesthetics of ornament. This print comes from his treatise, Architectura, a book of fantastical architecture that revels in complex and often bizarre design elements. In it, Dietterlin moves away from the classical architectural orders and creates his own highly ornamented style. This happened during a time when architecture was a symbol of status and power, and was directly tied to social class. Dietterlin was from Germany, a country undergoing significant religious and political changes during his lifetime. His innovative approach to architectural design reflects a departure from traditional norms, mirroring the broader social and cultural shifts of his time. By examining period sources, architectural historians can analyze how Dietterlin challenged the established norms of architectural design, offering a commentary on the social structures of his time.