Twee haardschermen Possibly 1746 - 1782

This is "Twee haardschermen," a drawing by Nicolas Dupin, made sometime in the 18th century. Notice the focus is on the linear quality, the precision, and the symmetry of the designs. Dupin presents us with two variations of fire screens. Consider how the drawing is structured; it employs a measured grid, against which the ornate, curvilinear forms of the screens are set. The meticulous lines create a sense of order, yet the decorative flourishes introduce a counterpoint, a tension between the structured and the organic. Dupin’s work reflects a broader aesthetic dialogue of his time. The tension between the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and the Baroque’s love of ornamentation is clear to see. The drawing serves not just as a functional blueprint but as a commentary on the values and aesthetic sensibilities of the period. It shows how design embodies cultural and philosophical ideas.