Drie ornamentranden 1776

Placido Columbani made this print of three ornamental borders. The ornamental borders, rendered with precision, invite us to reflect on the world of 18th-century design and its social underpinnings. During this period, decorative arts played a crucial role in expressing social status, especially for the wealthy class who used these designs to embellish their surroundings. The rigid symmetry and classical motifs present in these borders reflect the era's emphasis on order, rationality, and established hierarchies. However, the organic forms and floral elements also hint at a desire to soften these structures. What does it mean to impose order on nature, to find the beauty in both? The act of design, particularly in the decorative arts, was imbued with questions of identity, taste, and belonging. While these borders might appear to be purely aesthetic, they are a testament to the cultural values that shape our perceptions of beauty and social status.