Design for a Doorway 1700 - 1780

This is a design for a doorway made by an anonymous artist on a sheet of paper. The sketch uses visual codes of classical architecture to suggest ideas of authority. Classical architecture was deeply connected to social and political power in Europe. As monarchies and states arose, they looked to classical architecture to legitimize their power with reference to the Roman Empire. The image creates meaning through cultural references and historical associations with these powerful institutions. Architectural drawings like this would have been commissioned by the ruling class to project the image of power. Examining similar works from the time, we can learn more about the public role of architecture, and the social conditions that shape artistic production.