Onderboezem in Paleis Noordeinde 1664

Jan Matthysz created this print of a chimneypiece in Paleis Noordeinde using engraving. The linear quality of the printmaking process is evident in the depiction of the object's architectural form. The design shows the classical orders, with fluted columns, carved capitals, and a relief sculpture overhead. But look closer. The print is not just a representation, but a tool. It serves as a template for craftsmen working in stone or wood. The sharp lines would have guided the artisans, dictating the precise cuts and joinery needed to construct such an elaborate feature. Consider the labor involved in realizing this design. Quarrying stone, shaping wood, the skill required for carving—all were highly valued crafts in their own right. The print acts as a nexus point, connecting the designer's vision with the tangible skills of many hands. It invites us to appreciate the value of craft and its role in shaping our built environment.