Temporary Structure in Celebration of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne (August 6, 1682) 1650 - 1700

This brown ink wash on paper drawing depicts a complex, multi-tiered monument, created circa 1682 by an anonymous artist. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and structure. The monument is crowded with figures, flags, and foliage; the artist created a sense of depth through varied line weights and tonal gradations of the brown ink. The drawing presents a fascinating interplay between classical monumentality and baroque dynamism. The monument's architectural elements, such as the plinth and the column, establish a sense of order and stability; the profusion of sculptural figures and decorative elements introduces movement. Note the figures placed in the monument's base, and the equestrian statue at its apex, wreathed in clouds. The sketch-like quality suggests this drawing may have been a preparatory design. The artist has destabilized the static nature of commemorative structures through dynamic composition. Ultimately, the artwork is not merely a representation of a celebratory structure but also an exploration of power. The ephemeral nature of the ink on paper underscores the transient nature of celebrations.