Design for an Altar 1600 - 1700

This pen and wash drawing, now in New York's Metropolitan Museum, presents a design for an altar by an anonymous artist. The drawing likely comes from Italy, a country where the Catholic Church shaped much of the artistic production. We can see the architectural structure of a prospective altar, decorated with classical motifs. The image creates meaning through visual codes, such as the use of caryatids, a classical female figure used as a column, and abundant ornament, both of which refer to wealth, power, and the church’s authority. The clean lines and symmetry suggest a desire for order and harmony, typical of the artistic and cultural climate of its time. To understand the true relevance of this work, art historians often look at comparable altars from the period, architectural treatises, and church records, so they can understand its role in shaping religious spaces and experiences. The altar’s design reflects the social, economic, and religious context in which it was created.