Plattegrond van het kasteel van Vaux-le-Vicomte 1631 - 1691

This undated drawing is a plan of the Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte. Created with ink on paper, it presents a bird's-eye view of the castle's layout, revealing a meticulously structured landscape. The precision of line work delineates formal gardens, pathways, and architectural elements with a subdued palette, emphasizing geometry and order. The drawing’s power resides in its clear, rational design, indicative of seventeenth-century French garden aesthetics. The plan visualizes control over nature through strict symmetry and calculated spatial arrangements. This emphasis on structure reflects the period's philosophical inclination towards reason and the imposition of human intellect upon the natural world. The drawing doesn't just depict a place; it embodies a worldview where order and control are paramount. Ultimately, the strength of this anonymous drawing lies in its ability to capture the essence of a culturally specific approach to space and form, inviting us to consider how design embodies deeper social and philosophical values.