Drie haardschermen 1772 - 1779

Curator: Take a moment to observe "Drie haardschermen," or "Three Fire Screens," an engraving created by Nicolas Dupin between 1772 and 1779, here in the Rijksmuseum's collection. What’s your initial read? Editor: There's a lightness and a precision in the line work. It reminds me of architectural renderings. A ghostly, elegant simplicity, almost like looking at memories of design. Curator: Precisely. Dupin, working within the burgeoning Neoclassical movement, offers us a glimpse into the design aesthetics of the time. These aren’t mere illustrations; they’re propositions, showcasing a taste for refined, almost severe, elegance. Notice the controlled symmetry, the delicate ornamentation... Editor: I’m struck by how each screen is distinct, yet they all share a common language of embellishment. It’s like observing variations on a theme. The paper's tone almost seems to contribute to a mood as well. Curator: The toned paper and the old engraving style certainly enhance its sense of historical distance. Each screen embodies a very specific function—to protect one’s face from the heat of the fire. But more than that, they are objects intended to project a certain status, a certain level of taste. Look at the detailing on the central screen – almost floral yet also very measured and reserved. Editor: The function of these designs goes beyond protection from heat, doesn't it? Like offering us an intimate portrait of 18th-century domestic life—the quiet moments, the appreciation for handcrafted details, all presented in this refined visual language. They're like miniature stages set for whispered conversations by the fireside. Curator: Indeed! And perhaps that's what's so compelling here. Dupin has managed to capture both the objective beauty of the Neoclassical design and hint at an emotional world beyond the surface. This is not simply an inventory of objects. These screens invite you to imagine the very act of homemaking itself. Editor: It has certainly made me feel a deeper appreciation for the small intricacies in art and life, and it's left me looking closer for the ways emotion lingers under the surface. Curator: For me, it has provided a beautiful insight into the ways in which seemingly simple objects embody complex social and aesthetic values. A wonderful look, really!