Muurindeling in de vorm van triomfboog c. 1675 - 1686

Cornelis Danckerts created this print of a wall design in the form of a triumphal arch, some time in the mid-17th century. In the Dutch Republic, triumphal arches were temporary structures erected to celebrate military victories or the arrival of important dignitaries. This print offered architects and builders an image bank of classicizing elements. These could be recombined to signal the patron’s taste and sophistication. The archway is decorated with classical motifs, such as garlands and mythological figures. The steps leading up to the archway suggest a sense of grandeur and importance. In the absence of further documentation, it’s hard to know for sure whether this design was ever actually built. Architectural drawings and prints like these provide a valuable resource for historians in understanding the cultural values and artistic practices of the Dutch Golden Age.