Staircase Designs, 1739, Paper, Set of 3

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A trio of architectural engravings from tieleman van der horst's "theatrum machinarum universale" from 1739. Each panel dissects the intricate … Read more A trio of architectural engravings from tieleman van der horst's "theatrum machinarum universale" from 1739. Each panel dissects the intricate design and structural mechanics of baroque-era staircases, with particular attention to the radial and helical forms that exemplify the period's engineering and aesthetic ambition. The engravings serve not only as a technical blueprint for the construction of these complex staircase designs but also as an artistic representation of 18th-century architectural innovation. The detailed linework, precise measurements, and the use of geometric principles in the designs, reflect an interplay between form and function, an endeavor to combine practicality with the grandeur that is characteristic of baroque architecture. These plates are a valuable historical record of architectural practices of the time and would have been used as a reference by craftsmen and architects. More about the architect, artist and publisher: tieleman van der horst, jan schenk, and petrus schenk were individuals active in the 18th-century dutch world of printmaking, engraving, and publication, particularly in the realm of scientific and technical knowledge. **tieleman van der horst**: while not much is widely known about tieleman van der horst, it is evident from the work that he had a strong grasp of architectural principles and mechanical design. As the author of "theatrum machinarum universale of nieuwe algemeene bouwkunde," he would have been a significant figure in the field of architecture and engineering during his time. His work on this compendium of machinery and architectural design would have contributed to the spread of technical knowledge during a period when such information was becoming increasingly valuable. **jan schenk**: jan schenk was the engraver for these works, and as such, would have been highly skilled in the art of engraving. Engraving was a meticulous process that required a steady hand and an acute eye for detail. The quality of the engravings suggests that schenk was a master of his craft, able to translate complex, three-dimensional structures onto a two-dimensional medium with precision and clarity. **petrus schenk**: petrus schenk was a publisher based in amsterdam, a city that was a center of printing and publishing in the 18th century. As a publisher, schenk would have been involved in the business and administrative side of producing and distributing the book. His role would have been to oversee the printing process, manage the financial aspects, and ensure the distribution of the finished product to booksellers and clients. The fact that he published a work of such technical and artistic complexity indicates that he was a significant figure in the world of publishing and had the resources and connections necessary to produce and sell such a specialized text. Overall, the collaboration between these individuals on "theatrum machinarum universale of nieuwe algemeene bouwkunde" would have been a considerable undertaking. It brought together expertise from different realms—architectural knowledge, artistic skill in engraving, and the business acumen necessary for successful publication—to create a work that was both educational and visually impressive. This work would have served as an important resource for professionals in architecture and engineering, as well as for patrons and students interested in the latest developments in building technology and design. See less