Haard met balusters 1784 - 1785

Augustin Foin etched this "Haard met balusters", or Fireplace with balusters, a design on paper, sometime in the 18th century. At first glance, the balusters flanking the hearth seem mere architectural details, yet their symbolic echo resonates through time. Derived from classical columns, they represent strength and support but also evoke notions of balance and order within the domestic sphere. Think of the columns of ancient temples, re-imagined here, scaled to human intimacy. This motif does not appear from nothing. Its roots can be traced back through history, where similar forms have symbolized stability, divinity, and power. Consider how classical motifs resurface during the Renaissance, imbued with a renewed sense of humanism, or during the Neoclassical period, symbolizing a return to order after periods of upheaval. This constant return, this cyclical progression, reveals how symbols evolve, adapt, and persist, shaping our understanding of space and society across generations.