Diverses Pieces de Serruriers, page 17 (recto) 1658 - 1668

Jean Berain created this print, Diverses Pieces de Serruriers, page 17, as part of a larger collection of designs. Berain was a draughtsman, designer, and engraver who worked in France in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was known for his elaborate designs for the court of Louis XIV. This image provides a fascinating glimpse into the ways in which power and status were communicated through visual culture in the French court. The design is characterized by symmetry and classical motifs, incorporating elaborate ornamentation with stylized fleur-de-lis, foliage, and scrollwork. Architectural elements, such as columns, are represented in the design. The gates are not just functional barriers, but rather symbolic markers of entry into a realm of privilege. Reflecting on the emotional experience, the design evokes a sense of grandeur and formality. It reminds us of the power dynamics inherent in spaces designed to include and exclude, defining who belongs and who is kept out.