Koorbank in een kapel c. 1657 - 1665

This is Jean Lepautre's "Koorbank in een kapel," an etching from the 17th century, now held in the Rijksmuseum. The print presents an elaborate chapel interior, dominated by strong vertical lines and intricate decorative elements. The eye is drawn to the symmetrical arrangement, where architectural features and ornamentation create a visual hierarchy. Note the use of classical motifs – cherubs, wreaths, and portrait medallions – all meticulously rendered through the precise etching technique. The composition suggests a stage-like space. Lepautre invites us to consider the interplay between ornamentation and structure. We can see this design reflecting the Baroque period’s emphasis on grandeur and theatricality. The print not only showcases architectural design but also encapsulates broader cultural codes of power, religion, and aesthetics that defined the era.