Plattegrond van de Nieuwezijds kapel aan het Rokin 1682 - 1726

Editor: So, this architectural sketch is called "Plattegrond van de Nieuwezijds kapel aan het Rokin," which translates to "Plan of the Nieuwezijds Chapel on the Rokin," and it dates back to sometime between 1682 and 1726. It's currently at the Rijksmuseum, created by Daniël Stopendaal, and is an engraving print on paper. I’m immediately struck by how orderly it all appears, but it feels almost…clinical. What's your take on this piece? Curator: Clinical is an interesting word, I think appropriate! You know, looking at it, I'm reminded of those antique dollhouses that are just brimming with meticulous details, aren’t you? The rigidity, the almost obsessive focus on order…It’s like someone distilled the Baroque obsession with grandeur into a precise floorplan. And the Nieuwezijds Chapel itself, nestled right on the Rokin – imagine the hustle and bustle just outside those walls compared to this tranquil vision. Editor: That’s a great point, contrasting the order inside with the chaos outside. Curator: Exactly! And beyond just visual order, consider what this represents: a social order, too, the ranking of seating in a house of worship! Can’t you just feel the silent judgement and whispers floating up between the pews, “Who’s sitting where?”. Even today seating is still sometimes allocated on merit, donations and… other subjective ideas! But perhaps Stopendaal has their tongue firmly in their cheek, a wink at the very vanity this building opposes. What do you reckon? Editor: I never thought of it that way. It definitely adds another layer. So much more than just lines on paper now, more of a commentary! Curator: Right! So the next time you look at any seemingly "dry" or technical drawing, wonder to yourself, where is the commentary, the opinion? Maybe it's hidden, maybe it's blatant… but is definitely present. Editor: Definitely something I’ll remember to look for next time. Thanks!