Twee afbeeldingen met de constructie van de onderdelen van een rijtuig met zetel voor één persoon 1665 - 1683

Here we see Cornelis Meijer's design for a one-person carriage, rendered with ink on paper, sometime in the 17th century. This isn't fine art; it's a technical drawing, a blueprint meant to guide skilled artisans in the construction of a carriage. The print meticulously illustrates each component, from the wheels and frame to the seat, even down to the individual screws and joints. The materials involved would have been wood, metal, and leather, each demanding specific skills to work. The image gives us a glimpse into the world of pre-industrial manufacturing, where skilled labor was paramount. The social context here is one of emerging technologies and transportation, tied to wider issues of class and mobility. The beauty of this piece lies in its directness and clarity, showing how design mediates between concept and physical reality. It reminds us that behind every object, there's a complex process of making.