Reproductie van twee ontwerpen van schoorstenen door Gerrit de Grendel before 1880

This print showcases two chimney designs by Gerrit de Grendel, a designer working in Middelburg. Made through engraving, a process involving meticulous carving into a metal plate, this reproduction offers a glimpse into 18th-century Dutch interiors. Notice the intricate details: swirling foliage, classical figures, and precisely rendered textures. The graphic language speaks to the engraver's skill, but also to the aspirations of the patrons who would commission such elaborate chimney pieces. Fireplaces were not just functional; they were statements of wealth and taste. The very act of reproducing these designs through print implies a growing market for stylish domestic goods, fueled by nascent capitalism. Consider the labor involved – the designer, the engraver, the printer, the publisher, and finally the carpenters and sculptors who would bring these designs to life in stone and wood. It's a whole chain of production. This reproduction, therefore, offers a fascinating insight into the social and economic forces shaping everyday life.