Korinthische bouworde 1606 - 1620

Hendrick Hondius's engraving, "Korinthische bouworde," was made in the Netherlands in the early 17th century. It shows the detailed construction of a Corinthian column. This print offers insight into the cultural reverence for classical architecture during the Dutch Golden Age. Northern European artists and architects looked to antiquity for inspiration, believing that ancient forms embodied ideals of order and harmony. Hondius’s print thus acted as a visual guide and a statement of cultural aspiration. Moreover, the print exemplifies the role of institutions in shaping artistic knowledge. Disseminated through printmaking, architectural designs became standardized and widely accessible to craftsmen and patrons alike. By studying prints like these, we can investigate the relationship between artistic theory, workshop practice, and the broader social values attached to art and architecture. The art historian thus reveals the dialogues between past and present, and between the artist, the patron, and society.