Architectura von Ausstheilung / Symmetria und Proportion der Fünff Seulen

Art Historical Context

This intricate etching, titled *Architectura von Ausstung / Symmetria Proportion der Fünffulen* (Architecture from Division / Symmetry and Proportion of the Five Columns), comes from a 1598 publication by German architect Wendel Dietterlin the Elder with contributions from Balthasar Cayx. Created during the late Renaissance, it exemplifies Dietterlin's influential treatise *Architectura*, a multi-volume work blending practical architectural theory with fantastical Mannerist designs. The plate likely illustrates the harmonious proportions of classical columns—Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite—adorned with lively scenes of fountains, children, men, and mythical creatures, showcasing the era's delight in elaborate ornamentation. Dietterlin's book was groundbreaking in Northern Europe, drawing from Italian precedents like Serlio while embracing grotesque motifs inspired by ancient Roman ruins. Printed as part of a luxurious bound volume (14 9/16 x 10 5/8 inches), it served architects, artists, and patrons, promoting symmetry and proportion as keys to divine harmony in design. Etching allowed for precise, reproducible details, making complex engravings accessible beyond elite workshops. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Rogers Fund in 1919, this work captures the exuberant spirit of Mannerism, where architecture meets mythology. Visitors will appreciate how it bridges utility and imagination, influencing Baroque opulence for centuries.

About the Artist

Balthasar Caymocx|Wendel Dietterlin, the Elder (German|German) · |1550 – |1559

|German, Pfullendorf 1550/51–ca. 1599 Strasbourg