Twee regels van gebeeldhouwd en verguld lindehout 1689

These decorative friezes are carved from limewood, and gilded. The identity of the artist is unknown. Limewood is soft and fine-grained, making it ideal for intricate carving. The deep relief of the acanthus leaves and scallop shell is testament to this. The process of gilding - applying thin leaves of gold to the surface - would have been painstaking, requiring great skill. Tool marks are still visible in the wood, a record of the handwork involved. In the past, ornament like this was often commissioned by wealthy patrons, destined for architectural settings. It’s important to remember that the value of these objects doesn't only reside in their visual appeal; it’s also a reflection of labor, materials, and social context. Such works challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and the hierarchies of value we associate with them.