Cartouche in kwabstijl 1654

Jacob Lutma created this design for a cartouche in the style known as "kwabstijl," or auricular style, using etching techniques in the Netherlands during the mid-17th century. The image presents an elaborate, fleshy frame, typical of the auricular style that was fashionable at the time. Characterized by its organic, almost fluid forms, the style reflects the Dutch Republic's engagement with global trade. It incorporates elements reminiscent of exotic materials and forms encountered by Dutch traders and explorers. Lutma, trained in his father’s silversmith workshop, was part of a network of artists and craftsmen who popularized this style for architectural ornamentation and decorative arts. This cartouche is a product of a society experiencing rapid economic expansion and cultural exchange. By studying design books and architectural treatises, we can better appreciate how artists like Lutma shaped the visual landscape of their time, contributing to the construction of Dutch identity in an era of increasing global interconnectedness.