Façade met rondbogen 1772 - 1779

Curator: The blueprint, labelled "Façade met rondbogen," immediately gives me the shivers, it has such incredible symmetry, it makes me think of sterile governmental building with marble statues in the entrance. Editor: Yes, Jean Pelletier made this engraving sometime between 1772 and 1779. What strikes you first about this elevation? Curator: It is an organized grid. It has a very linear character, even though the round arches are at the bottom. I see right away the arches balance the squared-off windows up top. It is satisfying, yet oddly cold; almost like a mathematical theorem expressed in stone, can you see it? Editor: It definitely embodies Neoclassical ideals. If you look at how he plays with void and solid, you may find some emotion there; the arches on the ground floor promise entrance, which is immediately denied by dark rectangles, maybe this denial speaks about how constrained citizens' daily life used to be during those days. Curator: A point very well made. This house is playing with access and the promise of welcome in a most devilish way! There are also the strange keystones in the arches, sticking out so high—uncomfortably, to my mind. They nearly touch the windowsill above, crushing them with a forced architectural style. Is it just me who sees that as really disturbing? Editor: Interesting how that detail resonates for you, but, again, look closer! Every line, every shape, is considered within a strict structural hierarchy. Pelletier is demonstrating an understanding of classical principles of order and proportion through a series of lines and geometric forms and wants the house's potential buyer to be confident on Pelletier's skills. This engraving offers a glimpse into how Pelletier applied rational principles of design. Curator: A show of force using shapes, I like that. Now, staring at it a bit longer, I almost think I could find it in my city if I search hard enough; that kind of forced emotion feels oddly timeless... Editor: I see what you mean, this image leaves the mind searching the eternal human quest of taming the chaos.