Dwarsdoorsnede van het Palazzo Rostan Raggio te Genua 1622

Nicolaes Ryckmans created this print, "Cross-section of the Palazzo Rostan Raggio in Genoa", in the 17th century. Ryckmans uses precise lines to render an architectural drawing, offering us a view into the palace's structure. The light grey ink on a pale cream background gives a muted quality to the print. The composition is symmetrical, yet the layout of each side differs. The use of a cross-section allows us to view the palace not just as a facade, but as a living, breathing space. The archways and rectangular windows create a rhythm. The orderly arrangement of space, typical of Renaissance architecture, is evident. The scale of the architecture dwarfs the space. Ryckmans invites us to consider architecture as more than just physical space. It’s a formal study of line and space. This visual language invites ongoing interpretation, reflecting the changing cultural values placed on space, design, and representation.