Titelblad: Schoorsteen-Wercken 1664

This engraving by Jan Matthysz., titled Schoorsteen-Wercken, or Chimney Works, dates from the 17th century. The image is a design for a chimney piece and gives us a glimpse into the cultural and institutional history of domestic architecture in the Netherlands. Chimneys were becoming increasingly important features of Dutch homes at this time, as the Dutch Golden Age saw an increase in wealth and a demand for more comfortable and stylish living spaces. This print, with its classical architectural features and playful cherubs, reflects the influence of Renaissance design principles on Dutch architecture. Note that the text at the top dedicates the work to Prince Willem Hendrick van Oranje. These kinds of artworks remind us that art is not made in a vacuum. Instead, its creation is closely tied to the social, economic, and political conditions of its time. To learn more about the design and history of domestic architecture, we might consult period architectural treatises, estate inventories, and social histories.