Oval with putti holding a cartouche with a prayer to the Virgin 1710 - 1780

This delicate drawing, made by Francesco La Marra in the 18th century, presents an oval cartouche teeming with religious symbolism and ornate detail. Executed with fine lines, the composition evokes a sense of ethereal lightness, framing a prayer to the Virgin Mary. Notice how the oval form is not merely a boundary but a structural element that contains and focuses the narrative. Putti, or cherubic figures, flank the central cartouche, their dynamic poses creating a sense of movement and vitality. Above, a radiant depiction of the Holy Spirit as a dove, surrounded by more putti, suggests divine presence and spiritual illumination. The text itself becomes a visual element, integrated into the overall design and activating a semiotic interplay between word and image. The drawing exemplifies the period’s fascination with intricate ornamentation, but also functions as a devotional object, where the aesthetic form serves a deeper religious purpose. The lines aren't just descriptive, they're expressive, guiding the viewer through a sacred scene that continues to invite contemplation.