Dertien bouwkundige ornamenten en drie doorsneden c. 1866 - 1900

Charles Claesen rendered these architectural ornaments and cross-sections using ink on paper. Each carefully drawn motif conveys an element of design, from column capitals to friezes, intended for use in buildings or furniture. Look closely, and you'll notice the precision of the line work, which shows the artist's skill in drafting and his eye for detail. This wasn't a fast process; it required time, expertise, and patience. It reminds us that architectural ornamentation wasn't just a matter of aesthetics, but a display of craft. The designs suggest ways of working with stone and wood, translating these drawn images into three-dimensional realities. Each curve and flourish speaks to the labor of artisans, who transformed raw materials into visually rich surfaces. These drawings are not merely decorative, but rather celebrate the process of making and the human touch that enriches our built environment.