Schoorsteenmantel met bladranken met vogels en andere dieren c. 1790 - 1810

This drawing of a chimney mantel with leafy tendrils, birds, and other animals was designed by Lorenzo Cardelli in the late 18th century. Cardelli, who was attached to the court of Stadtholder Willem V, was working during a period of immense social and political change. It was an era defined by a widening gap between the wealthy elite and the working class. This drawing provides us with insight into the aesthetic desires of the Dutch elite during this time, particularly their penchant for luxury and classicism. The inclusion of classical figures above the mantel references the values of ancient Greece and Rome, which were often associated with power, authority, and cultural sophistication. We can consider this in relation to what it might mean to be a member of the Dutch court. The chimney mantel design might also be interpreted as a reflection of gender roles and expectations. The classical figures are all women, perhaps suggesting that the domestic space was primarily associated with the feminine. However, it seems that the artist is more interested in maintaining classical representations than in developing alternative narratives. Through this drawing, Cardelli invites us to imagine the intimate spaces of the wealthy, while reminding us of the complex social hierarchies that shaped their lives.