Ontwerp voor kamerwand met schoorsteenstuk van de Doop van de Kamerling c. 1752 - 1819

Jurriaan Andriessen created this design for a chimney breast and flanking wall panels using pen, ink, and watercolor. The central panel depicts the Baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch. Made in the Netherlands in the late 18th century, the design reflects the period’s fascination with biblical and classical themes as suitable for domestic settings. The choice of subject matter also reflects the Netherlands' history of religious tolerance. Note how the landscapes on either side are designed to frame the central image, drawing the eye to the central scene of baptism. The fireplace itself is integrated as a functional element, reflecting the importance of domestic comfort. As historians, we look at the design and the artist’s other works, examining historical texts and visual sources from the period to understand its meaning in its own time. This helps us appreciate how social and cultural values were embedded in the everyday objects that surrounded people.