Elevation of a Stairway and Balustrade 17th century

Curator: This ink and watercolor drawing is titled "Elevation of a Stairway and Balustrade." It was created by an anonymous artist during the 17th century, and we are fortunate to have it here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Whoa, it's giving me Escher vibes, but with more naked statues. There’s something playful, almost theatrical, about the way the stairway curves and disappears. I wonder what sort of stories this space held? Curator: Observe the draughtsmanship—the precise rendering of architectural detail. The geometric forms are carefully articulated to establish a clear structural logic, although one could argue the ornamentation somewhat overwhelms it. Notice how the artist employs line and wash to define the play of light across the various surfaces and textures. Editor: Totally! It's like they’re showing off. But the light isn’t just light, it feels…filtered, somehow. Makes it feel secretive and dramatic, as though a scandalous rendezvous might be happening just out of frame. Curator: That brings up the contextual aspect. Consider this piece within the historical currents of its era. Seventeenth-century architectural drawings often served as presentations to potential patrons. Therefore, visual precision was essential to establish credibility. Editor: Or perhaps it was simply a flight of fancy! Maybe our artist was dreaming up impossible spaces, or sketching sets for some divine opera. This almost looks too grand to be real. More theatre set, maybe? Curator: Regardless of intent, the composition creates a distinct spatial tension. The eye is drawn upward, along the spiraling balustrade, yet also confronted with classical statuary which arrest further upward progress, encouraging close viewing. Editor: Yeah, stuck forever looking, without the possibility of ascending. A rather nice trap to set if you want to inspire some pondering...I think this has that impact, it can make anyone wonder about meaning... Curator: Precisely. This architectural fantasy captures the imagination. I am quite captivated with the balance of architectural design and decorative embellishments. Editor: I know, this gives an eternal-lasting impression! I appreciate that tension you highlighted. It makes the viewing experience endlessly captivating and rather...dreamlike.