Plattegrond van de begane grond van de Villa Grimaldi te Genua 1622

Nicolaes Ryckmans made this ground plan of the Villa Grimaldi in Genoa, Italy. Ryckmans’ drawing offers a glimpse into the domestic life of the Genoese elite and the architectural conventions of the time. The plan meticulously outlines the layout of the villa's ground floor, detailing various rooms such as the "Stanza per forestieri" or guest room, "Sala" or hall, and even a "Cisterna" or cistern. These labels offer insight into the villa's function and the priorities of its inhabitants. Created in the 17th century, a time of significant urban development and architectural innovation in Genoa, this plan reflects the era’s emphasis on order, symmetry, and functionality in design. Historians might consider the social and economic context that shaped the design of such villas. The Grimaldi family's status and wealth certainly influenced the scale and layout of their residence. By consulting archival records, architectural treatises, and other historical sources, we can gain a more complete understanding of the villa's place in Genoese society. The meaning of this plan is deeply embedded in the social and institutional context of its time.