Twee hekwerken 1737 - 1806

Editor: This is "Twee hekwerken," or "Two Fences," an etching and engraving from sometime between 1737 and 1806, held at the Rijksmuseum and created by an anonymous artist. The geometric details are so precise! What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: The precision itself is key, isn't it? Think about what fences represent: boundaries, exclusion, divisions within society. Now consider the era. This was a time of immense social stratification, where access to spaces and opportunities was often dictated by birth and status. Does this ornate design soften that reality, or further emphasize the separation between those inside and those outside the fences? Editor: That’s a compelling question. So the beauty of the design almost distracts from the function it serves? Curator: Exactly. And notice the inherent contradiction: the rigid geometry versus the flourishes of supposed elegance. This speaks volumes about the attempts to legitimize social hierarchies through aesthetics. What are your thoughts on the symbolism present in architectural design of the time? Editor: It's like the design tries to normalize or even beautify these divisions. The fence isn't just a barrier; it’s a statement of who belongs and who doesn't. It highlights how architecture can subtly perpetuate power structures. Curator: Precisely! This artwork allows us to reflect on how design is never neutral, how it always operates within—and often reinforces—existing power dynamics. These fences are not just lines on paper, they are historical actors within our world. Editor: That gives me so much to consider, moving beyond the aesthetic and into the societal implications embedded in even seemingly simple designs. Thanks for opening my eyes to this!