Haardplaat en vuurscherm op vuurplaat 1759 - 1760

Editor: Here we have a miniature metal fireplace screen and fireback from 1759-1760, crafted by Arnoldus van Geffen. It's fascinating how this shiny material is sculpted to mimic domestic architecture, but what stands out to me is its small size, yet the material reads as monumental. What do you notice? Curator: Initially, I'm drawn to the formal properties, particularly the interplay of verticality and horizontality. The rigid geometric forms – rectangles and right angles are juxtaposed with the more fluid, curvilinear elements typical of Rococo. This contrast creates a visual tension that animates the piece, doesn’t it? Editor: I can see that. It is a beautiful balance. I was more focused on the material at first, on its shininess. Curator: The high reflectivity of the silver amplifies this interplay of forms. Consider how light interacts with the piece – the way highlights define edges and planes, creating depth and volume, transforming simple geometry into dynamic spatial relationships. Do you find the reflective surfaces distracting or helpful in appreciating its form? Editor: Hmm. I think it challenges me to engage. It is not relaxing. What I mean is, that this small detail forces the eye to jump back and forth in an attempt to grasp its entirety. What a dizzying exercise. Curator: Indeed! A dynamic game is at play. The miniature scale contrasts with the implied grandiosity of the fireback, creating a paradoxical effect, don’t you think? Perhaps to emphasize the form. Editor: I didn't initially see the relationship of the monumentality versus the size, but that reframing is illuminating! It transforms the piece in my eyes. Curator: Likewise, your initial attention to materiality made me focus further on the importance of reflection in this small scene.