Bovenaanzicht van een bank 1784 - 1785

Pierre Claude Delagardette created this drawing, "Bovenaanzicht van een bank," using pen and brush in gray ink, capturing a bird's eye view of a bench. The composition is structured around geometric forms—rectangles, semi-circles, and straight lines—creating a schematic layout. This architectural rendering is not just a design but an exploration of form and function. The visual language here speaks to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order. Delagardette isn’t merely depicting a bench; he is dissecting it, revealing the underlying structure. The drawing employs a semiotic system where lines, measurements, and labels act as signs, conveying information about the bench's construction. The piece destabilizes conventional notions of art by presenting a utilitarian object with scientific precision. It suggests that even the most practical items can be subjects of intellectual inquiry and aesthetic consideration. The drawing challenges us to see beyond the object's purpose and appreciate the underlying structure and design.