Ontwerpen voor drie verticale ornamenten c. 1725 - 1750

Editor: This is "Ontwerpen voor drie verticale ornamenten," or "Designs for Three Vertical Ornaments," by Gabriel Huquier, dating from around 1725-1750. It's a pen and ink drawing, an engraving really, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. They strike me as incredibly elaborate, almost wedding-cake-like, with a very Baroque sensibility. What do you see in this piece, beyond just pretty swirls? Curator: Ah, yes, the pretty swirls! They certainly grab the eye. I see the exuberance of the Baroque, of course. But it's interesting to consider these not just as decoration, but as aspirations. In a world still grappling with absolute power, imagine adorning your palace with these fantasies. Each ornament is almost a miniature stage, isn't it? A tiny drama of power and grace. And what stories are whispered amongst those meticulously etched lines? Do you think they're purely aspirational? Editor: That's a cool way to look at it, as little stages. Hmm, I’m wondering now about the eagle motif on the left-hand side and then, is that Cupid on the right? Are those deliberate symbols? Curator: Symbols are key, and almost certainly deliberate. The eagle could symbolize imperial power or victory. And yes, Cupid! Baroque art is never shy about love, desire, *eros*. Think of it as visual poetry. And poetry, especially of this era, always has layers. Ask yourself what is *this* artist really celebrating? The power of love? The artistry of design? The wealth to afford such excess? I suspect it is a little of all three. Editor: Wow, that makes me see it differently! So not just decorations, but almost like...status updates? Curator: Precisely! Before Instagram, there was the exquisitely detailed Baroque ornament whispering, "Look at me! Look what I can afford! Look at my brilliant taste!". I will certainly look at it now through those glasses!