Tekstblad over de Architectuur 1693

This is a text page about architecture, made in the late 17th century by Charles Perrault. It's printed on paper, using a technology that was then relatively new, yet crucial for disseminating ideas about design and aesthetics. The text reflects on architectural principles, such as solidity, convenience, and beauty. It speaks of the "cutting of stones" as a modern invention, allowing for intricate vaults and arches. Note the emphasis on the labor-intensive process of stone carving. The author admires the composite order, a style blending Greek and Roman elements. What is most striking is the focus on recent constructions like the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles. These structures, massive in scale and ambitious in design, were powerful symbols of royal authority, built at great expense of labor and materials. This page underscores how architecture was deeply entwined with social issues of power, class, and consumption. It reminds us that art, design, and architecture can be inseparable from politics.