Two Alternate designs for an Altar. 1700 - 1780

This delicate drawing in ink and watercolor presents two alternate designs for an altar. Though the artist is unknown, the image speaks volumes about the labor and skill involved in creating sacred spaces. Look closely at the intricate details: the swirling foliage, the classical columns, and the angelic figure. These elements wouldn't spring into being spontaneously. They would require careful carving, gilding, and placement by specialized artisans. The drawing thus embodies the knowledge of specific craftspeople, trained in ornamental vocabularies. In the absence of information about the patron who commissioned this drawing, it is difficult to know about the social context, labor, politics, and consumption involved in the production process of this artwork. Consider this drawing, then, as a reminder of the collaborative effort behind every artwork, challenging our notions of individual genius and prompting us to consider the broader social and economic forces at play.