Wapentrofee en trofee met meermannen 1719

Hubert Quellinus made these Trophies in pen in the 17th century. We see two separate drawings; one depicting a 'wapentrofee' with crossed cannons, armor and smithing cherubs; and the other with mermaids sitting atop a fish, festooned with shells and seaweed. The sharp lines and minute details, achieved through pen and ink, allow Quellinus to showcase his skills as a draughtsman. The material itself – humble and accessible – belies the complexity of the composition. The meticulous, controlled application of ink creates depth and texture, mimicking the appearance of three-dimensional sculpture, drawing a parallel between the labor involved in printmaking and the craftsmanship of the sculptural pieces they represent. The drawings also celebrate civic strength and maritime power during the Dutch Golden Age. These images are about commemorating power, but also about the skilled labor that underpins it. By emphasizing the process of creation, Quellinus elevates the status of the craftsman, blurring the line between the fine arts and the decorative arts.