Ontwerp voor de decoratie van een door pilasters gelede wand met dubbele deur 1715 - 1798

This is a design for a decorated wall with a double door by Dionys van Nijmegen, created in the 18th century with pen and brown ink. Van Nijmegen was working during a time when Europe’s elite were consolidating power and wealth. The drawing reflects the values of that group, mimicking classical architecture and sculpture to communicate authority and sophistication. The drawing depicts a symmetrical doorway flanked by classical columns and female figures in flowing robes. The women stand atop pedestals, distancing them from the world of everyday life. We see a small child peeking out from behind the statue on the right. Is this the artist making himself known, or is he offering a glimpse of the human world obscured by the imposing architecture? Van Nijmegen seems to be playing with who gets to occupy the space of the art and architecture. Is it only for those who can afford it, or is there room for the rest of us? It raises questions about who is included and excluded from the narratives constructed by art.