Kwart plafond met in het midden een rozet after 1644

Franz Ertinger made this print of a ceiling quarter with a rosette in the center sometime in the 17th century. Ertinger, who was born in France but worked in Germany, created this etching at a time when the Baroque style was flourishing, a style embraced by both the aristocracy and the church to display power and wealth. We see this desire for grandeur in the elaborate ornamentation that fills the composition. Swirling, ornate patterns draw the eye inward, yet it is the chubby cherubs that evoke an emotional response. Commonly used in Baroque art, these figures often symbolize innocence, love, or divine presence. Their inclusion in a ceiling design suggests a desire to elevate the earthly realm to something more divine. Looking at this print today, we can reflect on how historical styles are often intertwined with social and political statements about identity and power. Art like this mirrored a society of strong hierarchies while offering a glimpse into their aspirations.