Zeven omlijstingen voor portalen en ramen 1610

Here we have Gabriel Kramer’s engraving “Seven Frames for Portals and Windows.” Kramer, who died in 1611, was working in a period of immense religious and political upheaval. The engraving depicts seven distinct architectural designs, each showcasing Kramer’s technical skill in capturing minute details and complex structures. The clean lines and symmetry reflect the Renaissance architectural ideals of order, proportion, and harmony. As a reflection of the social hierarchy, architecture served as a visual marker of class and status. Kramer’s designs, with their classical motifs and refined elegance, catered to the elite who sought to express their power and taste through their built environments. Kramer’s work offered builders and patrons access to new forms and styles, shaping the visual landscape of the era. These frames act as a threshold between public and private. What do these meticulously crafted thresholds say about who is welcome, and who is excluded? The engraving offers a glimpse into the values and aspirations of a society undergoing profound transformation.