Twee ornamentale schoorsteenontwerpen 1702 - 1776

Vittorio Maria Bigari created these two ornamental chimney designs in pen and brown ink, sometime in the 18th century. Bigari lived and worked in Bologna, an important artistic hub where the influence of the Catholic Church was palpable. These designs reflect the aesthetic values of the time; beauty, complexity, and opulence. One is immediately struck by the cherubic figures; their soft, innocent faces contrasting with the imposing architectural elements they adorn. This tension, between the sacred and the structural, speaks to the complex relationship between religious belief and social status. The chimney designs remind us that even the most functional aspects of our homes can become statements of identity, reflecting our aspirations and cultural values. As you consider these designs, perhaps you’ll think about the stories our own spaces tell about who we are, and who we aspire to be.