Cartouche met hoofden, cherubijnen en maskers c. 1800 - 1887

This is an anonymous print titled "Cartouche met hoofden, cherubijnen en maskers" housed here at the Rijksmuseum. The cartouche, teeming with cherubs, frames an interior scene bustling with figures; we could imagine this image circulating in the 17th or 18th century. Prints like these were powerful tools in early modern Europe. They weren’t simply decorative, they were vital for the dissemination of ideas. Consider the role of class here. The elaborate frame, adorned with cherubs and masks, speaks to a wealthy patronage, while the scene within hints at social gatherings and cultural exchanges among the elite. How did such images shape perceptions of power and privilege? Did they reinforce social hierarchies? Think about the anonymous nature of the artist, and how this piece invites us to reflect on the silent narratives and social commentaries embedded in art.