Rolwerk met bloemen en bladranken c. 17th century

Curator: Oh, my. It’s intricate, isn't it? Like peering into a secret garden dreamed up by Escher. So many swirling, interlocking parts, but a little...claustrophobic? Editor: This is "Rolwerk met bloemen en bladranken," or "Scrollwork with flowers and foliage," an engraving from circa the 17th century, here in the Rijksmuseum collection, likely by Johann Conrad Reiff. It is a superb example of baroque design, using ink on paper. It showcases this intricate symmetrical ornamentation so prevalent in that era, a reflection of the time's artistic values. Curator: Baroque, yes, historically neat as a pin. But that means tight for me. Does this intense ornamentation give anyone else anxiety? Or is it just my modern-day aversion to busyness? All those little curlicues…almost suffocating the flowers themselves. What do you suppose these patterns were for? Inspiration? Editor: Well, these "Rolwerk," or scrollwork designs, often served as models for artisans. Think of it like a pattern book for craftsmen. This image would inspire intricate woodwork, plasterwork, or even metalwork. Disseminated widely as prints, they popularized stylistic trends, ensuring the visual language of power and sophistication was adopted throughout Europe and beyond. It really drove the democratization of design! Curator: Democratization… Interesting. Even with the putti thrown in? Is that how you'd pitch the winged cherubs and all that? Almost comical to think of this overly complex blueprint for, say, some nobleman’s garden gate being part of "democratizing design.” Still, though, this image certainly evokes a sense of overwhelming control, I feel! Each swirl is so rigidly placed, a far cry from a field of freely growing vines. I am a modern person and my intuition says: "Too fussy." Editor: True, it presents a manicured, curated ideal of nature. Though it is also about aspiration. To bring order and artistry to every element. Plus, if you sold designs such as these, you sold status, access. Look how a single drawing offers us a window into that past—a society so consumed with outwardly expressed sophistication. What feelings well up in you now? Curator: You know? Now, a respect. I can see those ornate aspirations… and can begin to celebrate all the detail with less critique! These patterns, you are right, speak volumes about what that age wanted to say about itself.