Plafond met drie verticale panelen 1712

This ceiling design with three vertical panels was made by Daniël Marot in the 17th or 18th century. It is made from engraving, a printmaking technique. The design shows an elaborate composition that would have been transferred to plaster or wood. The image is composed of ornate details, from cherubic figures and portrait medallions to classical ornamentation. The visual language of the design—its texture, depth, and symmetry—is inextricably linked to the skilled labor involved in its creation. Each line, curve, and shadow is meticulously etched. Marot’s design would have demanded expert artisans to bring it into three-dimensional existence as architectural decoration. It represents an intersection of design, craft, and social status, where skilled making was crucial to manifesting the aristocratic ideals of the era. By focusing on the intensive labor behind this design, we can move beyond the traditional art historical focus on aesthetics, and towards a deeper appreciation of the social and economic contexts that shaped its creation.