Zijaanzicht van een deurklopper in kwabstijl 1654

This is a drawing of a door knocker in kwabstijl by Jacob Lutma. The image showcases the prominent use of the auricular style, a design characterized by organic, fluid shapes resembling ears and cartilaginous forms. This style, emerging from the Netherlands, is a striking departure from classical architectural norms. The motif harkens back to the Mannerist era’s fascination with metamorphosis. We can see an almost grotesque yet intriguing fluidity. Consider how the auricular style echoes in the works of artists like Hans Vredeman de Vries, where ornament transcends mere decoration to evoke raw emotion and the grotesque. Its appearance marks a period of intense religious and political upheaval, reflecting a collective unease and the subconscious desire to break from established forms. The use of distorted, visceral shapes acts as a powerful emotional trigger, unsettling and engaging viewers on a primal level. This style, though rooted in a specific time, reflects humanity's recurrent impulse to challenge and redefine aesthetic boundaries.