The First Wall of the Porcelain Room, from: 'Fürstlicher Baumeister Oder: Architectura civilis'
This print comes from a book, published in Augsburg in 1711 under the title Fürstlicher Baumeister Oder: Architectura civilis (The Princely Architect or: Civil Architecture). In its essence this book contains the architect Paul Decker’s ideal prospect, or rather prescription for the perfect nobleman’s’ palace: not too big and not too small, and outfitted with all the luxuries and latest fashions in interior design. He envisioned this book to be meant for other architects to take inspiration from, but at the same time to instruct potential patrons of what to expect from a modern-day palace. For each plate in the book, Decker therefore also included directions to ensure proper execution in terms of materials and colors. Regarding this porcelain room he writes that all the shelves have to be gilded, and gilt objects should be placed against a black ebony background to make them stand out even more. The doors, which used to be made of woodwork, are now to be outfitted with the finest crystal glass instead. The wall panels with Chinoiserie scenes were to be made in lacquer work, following the Asian example and forming the perfect backdrop for a porcelain collection.
Artwork Details
- Title: The First Wall of the Porcelain Room, from: 'Fürstlicher Baumeister Oder: Architectura civilis'
- Artist: Paul Decker the Elder (German, 1677–1713)
- Engraver: Joseph de Montalegre (German, born Prague, active ca. 1710–after 1724)
- Publisher: Jeremias Wolff (German, 1663–1724)
- Printer: Peter Detleffsen
- Published in: Augsburg
- Date: 1711
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Plate: 13 × 11 3/8 in. (33 × 28.9 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1968
- Object Number: 68.727.17(5)
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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