Ontwerp voor plafondschildering c. 1705 - 1754

Jacob de Wit created this ceiling painting design, "Ontwerp voor plafondschildering," in the 18th century, using pen and brush in gray ink and gray wash. De Wit, working in an era defined by strict social hierarchies, became renowned for his illusionistic ceiling paintings, often depicting mythological scenes. In this sketch, we see figures floating amongst the clouds. The use of mythological and allegorical figures in art during this period often served to reinforce the power and status of the elite. De Wit's works, commissioned for the homes of wealthy patrons, would have contributed to the construction of their identity and authority. The figures themselves, idealized and seemingly weightless, reflect the values of the aristocracy. Yet, the drawing also hints at the artist's hand, the visible strokes and washes reminding us of the labor involved in creating such images. Consider how the artist’s own identity, as a skilled craftsman navigating the social structures of his time, is embedded within this work. This piece invites us to reflect on the relationship between art, power, and the human touch.