Porte-cochère en portiek van binnenhof 1673 - 1752

Daniël Marot made this print of two elaborate entranceways sometime between 1673 and 1752, using etching and engraving. Look closely, and you’ll see how the incised lines define every detail of the architecture. The printmaking processes, and in particular engraving, were labor-intensive. It was a highly skilled trade. In this case, the skill is devoted to representing other forms of skilled labor – masonry, carpentry, and metalwork. Each doorway makes a bold statement, projecting power and artistry. The suggestion is that wealth and taste are aligned. The owners of these grand entrances could afford to employ the best artisans. Consider how these techniques have imbued the artwork with social or cultural significance. The print is not simply a representation of architecture, but also an index of social and economic relationships. It shows how luxury goods are created and consumed. This print challenges any traditional distinction between art, craft, and commerce.