Negen balkonhekken 1772 - 1780

Curator: This engraving, titled "Negen balkonhekken," presents nine different designs for balcony railings. It was created sometime between 1772 and 1780 by Jean François de Neufforge and now resides in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: The immediate effect is a pleasingly rigid geometry. It's like a visual catalog, carefully organizing variations on a theme of restrained Baroque elegance. Curator: Indeed, the arrangement contributes significantly to its overall impact. Each design utilizes geometric shapes—circles, squares, ovals—creating a visually balanced composition within each panel and across the entire sheet. The repetitive use of these shapes generates a rhythmic pattern. Editor: Do the repeating circular and diamond motifs perhaps symbolize protection and unity? The diamond, often associated with the eye, could suggest vigilance over the domestic sphere, while the circles may speak to the interconnectedness of family and community life within the building. Curator: That's certainly a plausible reading, aligning with Baroque sensibilities. But focusing on form alone, note how Neufforge balances open space with denser, more ornamented areas within each railing design. The contrast between the solid lines and the voids creates depth and visual interest, avoiding monotony despite the repetition. Editor: But beyond pure formalism, the presence of these recurring geometric forms must signify some higher power. The symmetry present is less for humanistic means, and instead to please a godly higher-up. Curator: A valid point, but consider that, while each railing design differs slightly, the overall structure—the horizontal rails and vertical supports—remains consistent. This uniformity ties the entire work together, providing a sense of order and control, a hallmark of the period's aesthetic preferences. Editor: I appreciate your formal reading and think the geometric and symmetrical decisions here clearly emphasize themes of higher spiritual power. Curator: It’s a wonderful glimpse into architectural aesthetics and the formal vocabulary of design. Editor: Agreed. It leaves you wondering which balconies were graced by these precise geometries.