Vier halve portalen c. 1583

Pieter van der Borcht made this print, Vier halve portalen, sometime in the late 16th century. It shows four, partial, ornamental doorways, each meticulously detailed. The print isn’t just a representation of architectural elements; it's a window into the social aspirations of the rising merchant class in the Netherlands. During this period, wealthy merchants sought to emulate the nobility, incorporating classical motifs and elaborate designs into their homes. Van der Borcht's print served as a pattern for these aspirational builders, showcasing elements like columns and ornate cornices. The burgeoning printing industry and the establishment of art academies also played a role, standardizing artistic styles and disseminating them widely. To understand this print, we can look to the period's architectural treatises and pattern books. These resources reveal the cultural values and social dynamics influencing artistic production. By studying these sources, we can appreciate art's role as a reflection of its time.