Schroefplaten, veren en een haan 1690 - 1725

This print, of unknown date and authorship, presents an array of meticulously rendered components for what appears to be a firearm. Executed with graphite, the drawing emphasizes clarity and precision, almost as if each piece floats in its own space. The composition is structured as an exploded view. The visual impact lies in the juxtaposition of these isolated parts. There are springs, screws, and ornately decorated plates. These elements are not merely functional objects; they incorporate detailed engravings of figures and foliage. This intertwining of utility and artistic expression challenges our conventional understanding of design. The print is not just a technical diagram but a cultural artifact. Each element, from the "haan" (cock) to the "schroefplaten" (screw plates), reflects a semiotic system where form follows function. The print's inherent tension between cold mechanics and warm artistic flourishes invites us to consider how art complicates and enriches even the most pragmatic of objects.