Onderboezem c. 1675 - 1686

Cornelis Danckerts created this print of a mantelpiece, or "Onderboezem" as it's called in Dutch, using engraving. The symmetry and the structure of the design command our attention. The vertical emphasis creates a sense of grandeur, yet the composition is cleverly balanced with horizontal elements like the frieze and shelf. Note how the engraved lines create texture, and the figures in the frieze add a narrative element, like a classical scene frozen in time. The cherubs and garlands soften the formality of the structure. This design reflects the period's interest in classical motifs combined with the desire for ornate decoration. It challenges notions of plain functionality by elevating a common household feature to the level of art. Consider how the print, through its form, not only depicts an object but engages with ideas about status, taste, and the blend of form and function. As you leave, notice how the lines of the engraving create a complex image, illustrating the intricate and intellectual culture of the era.