Badkuip met dolfijnen 1745 - 1775

This finely detailed drawing, whose maker is unknown, shows a bathtub from an oblique angle. The composition is structured by a play of straight lines and curves that articulate the tub's form and the space around it. The drawing’s perspective invites us to consider the geometry inherent in everyday objects. The tile grid provides a spatial context for the ornate bathtub. The eye is led over the bath's embellished structure, from the ornate dolphin motifs to the refined curvature of its edges. The shadows cast suggest the three-dimensionality of the object, rendering the scene with precision and depth. The drawing acts as a sign, referring not only to the object itself but also to ideas of luxury and social custom. This is more than a mere depiction; it is an exploration of form and function, expressed through the language of classical design. The drawing prompts us to reflect on the cultural values that shape our perception and appreciation of art.